Working environment factors
How does Cadmium oxide affect workers’ health?
Nov
Cadmium oxide (CdO) is a hazardous chemical that can seriously affect the health of workers in manufacturing plants. This article will provide detailed information on the harmful effects of CdO and measures to protect workers from potential health risks.
1. What is Cadmium oxide?
Cadmium oxide (CdO) is an inorganic compound, consisting mainly of cadmium and oxygen. This substance exists as a brown or black powder, is hygroscopic, and can be dissolved in acid. It is widely used in industry, especially in the production of batteries, paints, and electronic devices.
With the chemical formula CdO, cadmium can react with oxygen to create cadmium oxide, a substance with a high melting point and low electrical conductivity.
| No. | Chemical Name in Vietnamese | Chemical Name in English | HS Code | CAS Number | Chemical Formula |
| 1. | Cadimi oxit | Cadmium oxide | 28259000 | 1306-19-0 | CdO |
See more: chemical safety training service according to Decree 113/2017/NĐ-CP
REGISTER FOR CHEMICAL OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY TRAINING ACCORDING TO DECREE 113
2. Where does Cadmium oxide originate from in the production process?
In the production process, cadmium oxide can arise from many different sources, mainly from activities involving cadmium or cadmium-containing compounds. One of the main sources is from the smelting or processing of ores containing cadmium. When cadmium ore is heated in the presence of oxygen, cadmium oxide is created as a byproduct.
In addition, cadmium oxide can also be generated in the processing of cadmium metal, especially in the production of battery components, such as Ni-Cd (Nickel-Cadmium) batteries. During the manufacturing of electronic devices, metal plating technology, or when recycling products containing cadmium, cadmium oxide can also be released into the air or onto other surfaces.
Besides that, cadmium oxide also appears in the industries of paint and dye production, and in some specific chemical processes. When cadmium oxide comes into contact with the environment or suitable chemical conditions, it will be generated and become a potential hazard to the health of workers.
3. Industries that use Cadmium oxide in production
Cadmium oxide is widely used in many manufacturing industries, mainly in processes that require materials with conductive properties or corrosion resistance. One of the prominent industries is battery production, especially Nickel-Cadmium (Ni-Cd) batteries. In the production and recycling of these types of batteries, cadmium oxide plays an important role in generating electricity and helping the battery operate effectively. The recycling process can also produce cadmium oxide in the form of dust or toxic gas.
The electronics industry is also a user of cadmium oxide, particularly in the manufacturing of electronic devices, circuit boards, and related components. In these processes, cadmium oxide is used as a component in creating materials with electrical conductivity, which helps improve the performance and durability of electronic devices.
In addition, cadmium oxide is also used in the paint, colorant, and dye manufacturing industries. In these products, cadmium oxide not only helps create special colors but also has the ability to resist abrasion and protect material surfaces. However, the use of cadmium oxide in paints and dyes can create an exposure risk for workers during production if safety measures are not in place.
The metal industry, especially in metal treatment and plating, also uses cadmium oxide to create a protective layer on metal surfaces against corrosion. This is one of the important applications of cadmium oxide in manufacturing, helping to extend the lifespan of metal products in harsh conditions.
4. How does Cadmium oxide affect workers?
Workers exposed to cadmium oxide can face serious health risks. Due to its toxic nature, cadmium oxide can cause many respiratory problems when dust or cadmium vapor is inhaled during production. Initial symptoms may include coughing, shortness of breath, and respiratory tract irritation. With long-term exposure, workers can develop more serious conditions such as pneumonia, reduced lung function, and even chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
In addition to its effects on the respiratory system, cadmium oxide can also cause kidney problems. Long-term exposure to cadmium can lead to its accumulation in the body, causing kidney damage, reducing the ability to filter blood, and leading to chronic kidney disease. This is a major risk for workers in industries with high levels of exposure to cadmium oxide, especially in the battery manufacturing and metal processing industries.
Cadmium oxide can also have adverse effects on the reproductive and skeletal systems. Studies have shown that cadmium can reduce fertility in both men and women, cause endocrine disorders, and affect fetal development if a pregnant woman is exposed to this substance. Furthermore, long-term exposure to cadmium oxide can also reduce bone density, leading to osteoporosis and an increased risk of fractures.
Another danger is the risk of cancer. Cadmium oxide is identified as a human carcinogen, especially for lung cancer. Workers exposed to cadmium oxide may have a higher risk of developing lung cancer from inhaling cadmium particles in the air throughout their work.
5. Permissible safe concentration of Cadmium oxide for human exposure
To protect workers’ health, authorities have issued safe concentration limits for cadmium oxide in the workplace. According to international standards, the maximum permissible concentration of cadmium oxide in the air is 0.005 mg/m³ over an 8-hour workday. This is the concentration level that experts believe does not pose a significant risk to the health of workers if strictly adhered to.
However, the actual exposure level also depends on each specific industry and production process. In industries with high usage of cadmium oxide, such as battery manufacturing, metal processing, or paint production, controlling the concentration of cadmium oxide is very important to ensure worker safety. Preventive measures such as good ventilation, use of personal protective equipment, and regular monitoring of cadmium oxide concentrations in the air are necessary to keep exposure below the safe threshold.
Although there are permissible concentration limits, prolonged exposure to cadmium oxide, even below the safe level, can accumulate and cause long-term harm to health.
At a basic level, when working in an industrial environment, it is important to comply with safety standards and limit exposure to Cadmium oxide. Organizations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States provide safety guidelines and principles to protect workers from the negative impacts of chemical substances.
6. Measures to minimize the effects of Cadmium oxide on workers’ health
To minimize the effects of cadmium oxide on workers’ health, preventive and protective measures need to be implemented strictly and comprehensively. One of the most important measures is to control the concentration of cadmium oxide in the workplace air. Effective ventilation systems and dust extraction equipment need to be installed and regularly maintained to minimize the dispersal of cadmium dust into the air, thereby reducing the likelihood of inhaling harmful particles.
In addition to improving air conditions, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an indispensable measure. Workers must wear dust-filtering masks or specialized respirators capable of filtering cadmium particles, as well as protective clothing, gloves, and safety glasses when in contact with cadmium oxide throughout the work process. This protective equipment helps prevent direct contact with cadmium oxide and reduces the risk of absorption through the respiratory tract, skin, or eyes.
At the same time, training and raising awareness for workers about the dangers of cadmium oxide are very important. Workers need to be instructed on safety measures, the proper use of protective equipment, and safe work procedures to minimize exposure to cadmium oxide. Companies also need to conduct periodic health checks for workers to detect early signs of cadmium poisoning, thereby allowing for timely intervention.
Finally, compliance with regulations and standards on the working environment from authorities is a necessary condition to ensure workers’ health. Businesses must periodically check the concentration of cadmium oxide in the air and implement corrective measures if the concentration exceeds the permissible level.
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 workplace environment monitoring in factories and enterprises, collect and analyze factors harmful to workers, and then adjust to reduce the hazard level to prevent occupational diseases for them.
7. National Workplace Environment Monitoring Center
The Workplace Environment Monitoring Center of Nam Viet is a professional unit specializing in the monitoring and measurement of workplace environment quality across all provinces in Vietnam. With a team of experienced monitoring specialists, the center uses modern measurement equipment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
REGISTER FOR WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
In addition to providing monitoring services, the center also assists clients in planning, processing, and tracking workplace 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 workplace 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 things possible.
- Along with a team of experienced Masters and Engineers with a desire to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
- By coming to 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 deals on costs.
8. Quotation for Workplace Environment Monitoring
To help businesses carry out workplace environment monitoring professionally and effectively, Nam Viet provides our valued customers with a high-quality and reasonably priced quotation for workplace environment monitoring services.
- Our monitoring quotation provides detailed information about the prices of the monitoring services we offer. It includes all costs related to travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting of results. Our valued customers can be completely assured of 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 advise and answer any questions about monitoring services in the quickest and most professional manner.
- With Nam Viet’s monitoring quotation, our valued customers can easily choose service packages that suit their needs. We are committed to bringing our customers the highest satisfaction with professional quality service.
