English 
Spanish 
6 min read
1 comments
Discover Cadmium, a very toxic metal that is revolutionizing the industry. Toxic metal is used in solar energy, steel, batteries and even nuclear fission.
Let's explore the curiosities and controversies surrounding cadmium, a super toxic but widely used metal. You may have heard about the dangers of lead and mercury, right? But what about cadmium? This metal may be more present in your life than you imagine. Think about the last time you ate a carrot fresh from your garden; You may have ingested some of this dangerous metal without knowing it. Let's understand why cadmium is so used and how it can affect your health.
Discover one of the most toxic metalss of the world
Cadmium is a natural metal, like silver or platinum, that is found in nature, usually in zinc ores. It is a chemical element similar to the other two stable metals in Group 12 of the periodic table, zinc and mercury. The metal is soft, silvery white in color with a bluish tinge, which diminishes when exposed to air or moisture.
Cadmium is considered a rare, ductile and malleable toxic metal, meaning you can shape it easily, plus it's corrosion resistant and has a lower melting point than most other transition metals.
- Nuclear fusion has found the miracle it needed on the road to commercial power plants
- Brazilian Army closes mega-deal with the US and acquires state-of-the-art metal bridge structures to reinforce military logistics and revolutionize strategic operations in the country!
- Japan has discovered enough cobalt and nickel reserves to meet its mining needs for the next 90 years, and the most incredible thing is where they are located
- New largest lithium reserve on the planet discovered!? With 30 million tons, historic find could redefine markets and make mining history
This toxic metal is found in small quantities in ores such as sphalerite, which is a zinc ore. One of the important properties of cadmium is its ability to absorb neutrons, which makes it useful in nuclear applications, such as in nuclear reactors and radiation control materials.
As Cadmium has a low melting point of 321°C and is resistant to corrosion, it is a popular choice for coating steel for industrial purposes and is also an efficient conductor of electricity. He is also uused to stabilize paint pigments ranging from yellow to brown, steel coating, batteries, solar energy, and barrier material in nuclear fission reactors.
Cadmium can also be used in the solar energy sector
Cadmium has gained strength in the solar industry, because cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells have become the second most common photovoltaic technology, behind only crystalline silicon. They have a low production cost compared to monocrystalline and polycrystalline silicon.
This is partly due to the abundance of cadmium telluride, as well as the simplified manufacturing process for this type of cell. Unlike silicon photovoltaic cells, cadmium-based solar cells perform better at high temperatures and this makes them an attractive choice for regions with hot, sunny climates.
It is important to say that exposure to cadmium can have several adverse effects on human health, especially when it occurs at high levels or chronically. It is mainly known for being a metal that is toxic to the kidneys.
When you have prolonged exposure to cadmium this can lead to problems such as kidney dysfunction, kidney failure and an increased risk of kidney stones.
Why is cadmium still used in industry even though it is toxic?
Cadmium continues to be widely used in industry, despite its toxicity, due to several reasons that highlight its unique and indispensable properties in certain applications.
Firstly, cadmium has excellent electrochemical characteristics, which makes it a crucial component in rechargeable batteries, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCd). These batteries are known for their durability and ability to maintain a stable charge, and are widely used in portable equipment and emergency power systems.
Additionally, cadmium is an essential material in the manufacture of cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar cells, which are highly efficient in converting sunlight into electricity. This kind of solar cell has a relatively low production cost, which contributes to reducing solar energy prices, promoting its large-scale adoption.
In the pigment industry, cadmium is valued for its vibrant colors and resistance to extreme heat and light conditions, and is used in paints, plastics and coatings. In the field of metallurgy, cadmium is used to coat other metals, such as steel and iron, providing effective protection against corrosion and increasing the durability of components used in aggressive environments, such as marine environments.
Cadmium has applications in the semiconductor industry, where it is used in electronic components due to its specific electrical conduction properties.
Although cadmium's toxicity is a significant concern, the economic and technological benefits it offers make it still a popular choice in industry.
However, continued efforts are being made to minimize exposure and develop safer alternatives, seeking to balance industrial benefits with environmental health and safety.
Other problems that can be generated by toxic metal
Both ingestion and inhalation of cadmium vapors or dust can irritate the lungs and lead to respiratory problems such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. And when you have prolonged exposure from inhaling cadmium vapors, this can increase the risk of more serious lung diseases.
Cadmium is considered one of the most harmful metals to human health, often classified among the most toxic metals. In a ranking of the metals most harmful to health, cadmium would generally be in a high position, next to mercury, arsenic and lead.
Here is a common ranking of the most toxic metals:
- Mercury: Highly toxic, can cause serious damage to the nervous system and other organs.
- arsenic: Extremely poisonous, can cause cancer and damage to various body systems.
- Lead: Toxic especially for children, can cause neurological damage and other health problems.
- Cadmium: May cause cancer, damage to kidneys, lungs and bones, as well as other adverse health effects.
The extremely toxic metal can end up accumulating in the bones over time, replacing calcium and weakening the bone structure and this can lead to problems such as osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures.
Not to mention the damage to the liver, interfering with its normal metabolic functions and leading to liver problems such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. It can also affect the central nervous system, causing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, weakness and fatigue and in severe cases of cadmium poisoning, permanent neurological damage can occur.
Interesting.
We are poisoned without knowing it