This document discusses the chemical hazards of cadmium exposure. Cadmium is commonly extracted from zinc, lead, and copper ores during smelting processes. It is used in paint pigments, batteries, and metal plating. Exposure to cadmium fumes and particles can occur during welding, cutting, and smelting operations. Long-term overexposure is linked to lung cancer and diseases of the lungs, kidneys, and bones. Employers must monitor exposure, provide protective equipment, and implement safety controls to limit cadmium levels and protect workers.

1. Module 6: Workplace & Chemical Hazards
6.5 Cadmium
Susan Harwood Grant Number SH-17820-08-60-F-23
Shipbreaking

2. Disclaimer
2
This material was produced under grant number
SH-17820-08-60-F-23 from the Occupational Safety
and Health Administration, U.S. Department of
Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or
polices of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does
mention of trade names, commercial products, or
organizations imply endorsement by the U.S.
Government.

3. Objectives
3
Explain the chemical hazards of
cadmium
Identify potential locations where
cadmium may be found
List what PPE may be required for
handling
Define chronic exposure effects

4. 4

5. 5

6. Cadmium is considered a rare metallic
element and found world wide.
6 Figure 1 Copper shredded in container

7. All soils and rock contain various amount of
cadmium.
7 Figure 2 Areas along the mountains where cadmium may be found

8. Cadmium is commonly extracted from
zinc, lead, and copper.
8 Figure 3 Copper shreds from a wire striper ESCO Marine

9. There are many uses for the metal and most
noteworthy is found in the pigment of
paint.
9 Figure 4 Paint peeling from vessel being dismantled

10. Ores contain small amounts of cadmium
and is extracted during a smelting
process.
10 Figure 5 Smelter operations

11. Emits a characteristic brown fume when
heated or during cutting operations.
11 Figure 6 Fumes from hot work operations

12. Cadmium does not break down when it
reenters the environment.
12 Figure 7 Cutting sectional down to smaller pieces on the pad

13. 13

14. Many older recycled batteries contain
cadmium.
14 Figure 8 Batteries that are being recycled

15. Cadmium was used to create yellow,
orange, and red paint pigments.
15 Figure 9 Magnet crane moving plate steel on trailer

16. Electroplating metal, 6% cadmium,
excellent for corrosion resistance.
16 Figure 10 Motors from the engine room removed

17. Used to stabilize plastics.
17 Figure 11 Galley area plastic shelving

18. Cathodic protection to hulls due to
the lower molecular structure to steel.
18 Figure 12 Stern section of the vessel during final cutting

19. 19

20. TWA Action level: Airborne
concentrations of 2.5 micrograms per
cubic meter of air.
20 Figure 13 Fumes generated during hot work on the pad

21. Action Level is where the employer
takes action to prevent exposure.
21 Figure 14 Bazooka Gun cutting shaft

22. Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) is 5
micrograms per cubic meter of air over 8-hour
TWA
22 Figure 15 Fumes released during hot work on hull sectional

23. Employer can use engineering and safe work
practice controls to keep exposure levels down.
23 Figure 16 Open air cutting generates good air flow

24. Written compliance program will be
implemented if such controls fail to reduce the
levels.
24 Figure 17 Restricted area for waste storage

25. Monitoring can be discontinued if the initial
monitoring and another monitoring 7 days later is
below the action levels.
25 Figure 18 Series of workers cutting steel components on bench

26. If cadmium is above the action levels, the area
is a regulated area and PPE is required.
26 Figure 19 Overall yard view

27. Personnel entering the regulated area shall
wear a respirator.
27 Figure 20 Respirator worn while in restricted and designated area

28. Lead smelting process elevates the risk of
exposure to cadmium.
28 Figure 21 Cutting pipe flanges

29. Mechanical ventilation must
demonstrate effectiveness to control
exposure.
29 Figure 22 Cut outs along the hull for light and ventilation

30. Respirators shall be worn when exposed to
levels above the PEL.
30 Figure 23 Workers in Tyvek suit and respirators

31. Personnel experiencing eye irritation will
wear full face piece respirators.
31 Figure 24 Workers with double face protection and respirator

32. HEPA filters.
32 Figure 25 Side view of face shield and respirator

33. Coveralls for outer clothing also
includes gloves and head covering.
33 Figure 26 Workers in protective clothing

34. Face shields and vented goggles to
protect eye and face contact.
34 Figure 27 Cutters wearing face shields, goggles, and respirator

35. Protective clothing and equipment shall be turned in
at the end of the work shift. Do not remove clothing
from facility or workplace.
35 Figure 28 View inside cargo compartment workers departing site

36. Do not use air to remove debris particles or
shake down protective clothing once
removed.
36 Figure 29 Wearing coveralls and respiratory gear

37. Showers, hand washing, and change
rooms shall be provided to workers.
37 Figure 30 ESCO Marine’s decon, shower, and change out location

38. 38

39. Employees exposed to cadmium should
have medical monitoring performed.
39 Figure 31 Personnel conducting medical monitoring prior to entry

40. Cadmium has been linked to lung cancer.
40 Figure 32 Hot work on hull section

41. Lung disease and emphysema from
cadmium fumes during hot work.
41 Figure 33 Fumes and smoke emission after hot work

42. The kidneys are the target organ.
42 Figure 34 Personnel inspecting vessel

43. Bone disease over prolong periods of
exposure.
43 Figure 35 Supervisor discussing dismantling operations to personnel

44. Studies found cadmium may increase
heart disease.
44 Figure 36 Crews marking off restricted areas

45. Smoking compounds the risk of adverse health
effects.
45 Figure 37 Tobacco leaves making cigars

46. 46

47. 47

48. References
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OSHA eTool www.osha.gov
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
(NIEHS) www.niehs.nih.gov
Wikipedia Encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org
Electronic Library of Construction Occupational
Safety and Health www.elcosh.org
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
www.atsdr.cdc.gov

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Worker safety is a priority.