Working environment factors
How does Cadmium affect workers’ health?
Nov
Cadmium (Cd), a toxic heavy metal, is commonly found in many manufacturing industries. Long-term exposure to Cadmium can cause serious consequences for workers’ health, from respiratory and kidney problems to cancer. This article will explore these dangerous effects in detail and how to protect oneself effectively.
1. What is Cadmium?
Cadmium, with the chemical formula Cd, is a metallic element belonging to the transition metals group on the periodic table, with an atomic number of 48. It is a soft, silvery-white, malleable, and low-melting-point metal, often found in compound form in nature rather than in its pure state. Cadmium commonly appears in zinc-containing minerals, such as sphalerite, and is recovered as a by-product during the refining of zinc or lead.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cadimi | Cadmium | 81072000 or 26209100 | 7440-43-9 | Cd |
See more about the chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/ND-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Cadmium originate from in the production process?
In industrial production, Cadmium mainly arises from mining and metal refining activities, especially for zinc, lead, and copper. In nature, Cadmium often exists as an impurity in minerals like sphalerite, a type of zinc-containing ore. When refining zinc or other metals, Cadmium is recovered as a by-product.
Additionally, Cadmium is generated from the production of nickel-cadmium batteries, stabilizers in PVC plastic, and anti-corrosion metal plating. Phosphate fertilizer manufacturing plants are also a significant source of Cadmium emissions, as this element is present in the natural phosphate ores used as raw materials.
The burning of coal and the processing of industrial waste also contribute to the generation of Cadmium in the production environment.
3. Industries that use Cadmium in production
Cadmium is widely used in many industrial manufacturing sectors, thanks to its unique chemical and physical properties. One of the most common industries using Cadmium is the production of nickel-cadmium batteries, which are rechargeable and highly durable, used in many electronic and industrial devices.
The electroplating industry also frequently uses Cadmium to create a protective anti-corrosion coating on metal surfaces, especially in the production of aircraft, automotive, and marine components. Furthermore, the PVC plastic industry uses Cadmium as a stabilizer to improve the thermal and mechanical durability of the product.
The fertilizer and pesticide manufacturing industries are also associated with the use of Cadmium, as this element is present in some of the chemicals used in these products. In addition, Cadmium is used in the production of heat-resistant alloys, as a coloring agent in ceramics and glass, and in the manufacturing of electronic and semiconductor components.
4. How does Cadmium affect workers?
Workers exposed to Cadmium in the production environment are at high risk of facing many serious health problems. Exposure through the respiratory tract, such as inhaling dust or fumes containing Cadmium, can cause respiratory system irritation, leading to diseases like pneumonia, difficulty breathing, and chronic lung damage.
Furthermore, the absorption of Cadmium through the digestive tract, which often occurs when eating, drinking, or smoking in contaminated areas, can directly affect the kidneys. This can lead to a decline in kidney function, a condition that is irreversible with prolonged exposure. Long-term exposure is also linked to an increased risk of developing serious diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia, and, in some cases, cancer.
Moreover, Cadmium has the property of accumulating in the body, meaning that even with low-level exposure over a long period, the accumulated amount of Cadmium can be toxic to internal organs. This is particularly dangerous for those working in industries without adequate occupational safety measures or in poorly controlled work environments.
The impact of Cadmium not only affects individual health but also leads to reduced labor productivity, an increased risk of occupational accidents, and high medical costs, increasing the burden on both the worker and the business.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cadmium for human exposure
The safe concentration of Cadmium for human exposure is strictly regulated by international health and occupational safety organizations. According to the standards of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the permissible exposure limit for Cadmium in the workplace air is 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air (5 µg/m³) averaged over an 8-hour workday. This is the maximum concentration considered safe to limit health risks to workers.
In addition, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a lower exposure limit of only 0.2 micrograms per cubic meter (0.2 µg/m³) to enhance health protection.
On a basic level, if working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cadmium. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide guidelines and safety principles to protect workers from the negative effects of chemical substances.
6. Measures to mitigate the health effects of Cadmium on workers
To minimize the impact of Cadmium on workers’ health, implementing preventive measures is extremely important. One of the first steps is to improve the ventilation system in the production area to reduce the concentration of Cadmium in the air. Using dust extraction systems, air filters, and detoxification equipment can help remove or significantly reduce the dispersion of Cadmium in the work environment.
In addition, the use of personal protective equipment such as dust masks, respirators, and protective clothing is necessary to prevent direct contact with Cadmium through the respiratory tract and skin. Especially for workers in high-Cadmium environments, providing proper protective gear and training on its use is very important.
Companies also need to regularly monitor and supervise the concentration of Cadmium in the workplace air to ensure that exposure levels remain at a safe level, in compliance with the exposure limits set by regulatory agencies. Conducting periodic health checks for workers, especially those in high-risk environments, also helps in the early detection of health effects from Cadmium and allows for timely intervention.
Furthermore, educating and raising awareness among workers about the risks of working with Cadmium and how to protect themselves is an indispensable factor. When workers understand the risks and protective measures, they will be more proactive in taking actions to minimize risks to their own health.
Occupational safety training: Workers need to be trained and educated on the risks and safety measures when working with this type of chemical. This training should be provided periodically and regularly to ensure understanding and proper adherence to safety rules.
Periodically organize occupational environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, to collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, thereby adjusting to reduce the level of hazard to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Occupational Environment Monitoring Center
Nam Viet’s Occupational Environment Monitoring Center is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring and measurement of occupational environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment to ensure accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICES
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also supports clients in planning, addressing, and tracking occupational environment issues. With the motto “the customer is the center,” the center is concerned with customer satisfaction, meets all customer needs, and is committed to providing the best solutions for businesses.
With investment in technology, engineering, and human resources, Nam Viet’s monitoring center has become one of the reputable units in the field of occupational environment monitoring in Ho Chi Minh City with the following objectives:
- We always value our brand reputation and the quality of our products and services.
- We provide our customers with the best and most suitable options possible.
- With a team of experienced Masters and Engineers who are passionate about protecting the environment and benefiting businesses.
- By choosing the Nam Viet Environmental Monitoring team, your company will receive professional service from experts in the monitoring field. At the same time, you will get the best cost advantages.
8. Báo giá quan trắc môi trường lao động
To help businesses conduct occupational environment monitoring in a professional and effective manner, Nam Viet provides our customers with a quality and reasonably priced quotation for occupational environment monitoring services.
- Our quotation provides detailed information on the pricing of the monitoring services we offer. This includes costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our customers can be completely confident in the accuracy and reliability of the monitoring result reports we provide.
- We are committed to always offering the most competitive and reasonable prices on the market, and we are also always ready to provide consultation and answer any questions about monitoring services quickly and professionally.
- With Nam Viet’s quotation, customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to providing our customers with the highest satisfaction through professional service quality.
