CADMIUM‡

Chemical Identification

CAS # 7440-43-9 (elemental)
Formula

Cd

Synonyms

cadmium metal; synonyms vary depending upon the specific cadmium compound.

Physical Properties

Physical description Silver-white, blue-tinged lustrous, odorless solid.
Boiling point 1409°F Molecular weight 112.4
Freezing point/melting point 610°F Vapor pressure 0 mmHg (approx)
Flash point Vapor density
Specific gravity 8.65 (metal) Ionization potential
Lower explosive limit (LEL) Upper explosive limit (UEL)
NFPA health rating NFPA fire rating
NFPA reactivity rating NFPA special instruction
Vapor hazard ratio (VHR)
Historical exceedance percentage
Target organs

Monitoring Methods Used by OSHA

Analyte code (IMIS no.) C141 (high sensitivity) C141 C141
Sampling group METALSSG-1 METALSSG-2 METALSSG-3
Sampler/Sampling media Mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (37 mm) and filter spacer with Na₂CO₃ impregnated backup pad, in a 3-piece cassette [SKC 225-9001] Pre-assembled cassette with mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (25 or 37 mm) [MAWP025A0 or MAWP037A0] Mixed cellulose ester filter (MCEF) 0.8 micron (37 mm) and filter spacer with Na₂CO₃ impregnated backup pad, in a 3-piece cassette [SKC 225-9001]
Sampling time*

240-480 min

240-480 min

240-480 min

Sampling volume (TWA)*

480-960 L

480-960 L

480-960 L

Sampling flow rate (TWA)*

2 L/min

2 L/min

2 L/min

Sampling volume (STEL/Peak/C)*

30 L

30 L

Sampling flow rate (STEL/Peak/C)*

2 L/min

2 L/min

Analytical method instruments ICP-MS ICP ICP-MS
Method reference OSHA 5003 (fully validated) OSHA ID-125G (fully validated) OSHA ID-206 (fully validated)
Notes

The METALSSG-1 sampling group members are analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) to target the expanded standards metals As, Cd, and Pb with high sensitivity (clean samples and smear tabs only).

If cadmium is the only analyte of interest, use the single analyte code C141. If the filter is not overloaded, samples may be collected up to an 8-hour period. If As, Cd, Cu, Fe, or Zn are detected, results will be provided.

Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as specific form, valence state, or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes. Smaller filters recommended for sampling inside welding hoods.

If the filter is not overloaded, samples may be collected up to an 8-hour period. Results are provided for the presence and amount or concentration of a specific element or elements. The stated identity of the actual sample contents (such as a specific form or compound) is based on the assumption that the material sampled is as identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes. The physical form of a sample (dust, mist, or fume) is identified by the compliance officer using available documentation of materials and processes.

Special requirements

For high sensitivity, request any or all of analytes listed in METALSSG-1 (0260, C141, & 1591).

For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-2, request analyte code 2587.

For the entire suite of analytes listed in METALSSG-3, which may be found during soldering and brazing operations, request analyte code S131.

* All sampling instructions above are recommended guidelines for OSHA Compliance Safety and Health Officers (CSHOs), please see the corresponding OSHA method reference for complete details.

Bulk/Wipe Method

Wipe Sampler/Sampling media

See sampling group information for media.

Bulk Method

Available

On-Site Screening Techniques

Device
Model/Type
Sampling information
(see manufacturer instructions)

Exposure Limits

OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
NIOSH REL
Up to 10-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
ACGIH TLV©
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
CAL/OSHA PEL
8-hour TWA
(ST) STEL
(C) Ceiling
Peak
PEL-TWA

5 µg/m³ [2.5 µg/m³ Action Level]

REL-TWA TLV-TWA PEL-TWA

0.005 mg/m³

PEL-STEL REL-STEL TLV-STEL PEL-STEL
PEL-C REL-C TLV-C PEL-C
Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Skin notation

N

Notes:

See 29 CFR 1910.1027 and 29 CFR 1926.1127 (Construction) for additional information. The PELs listed in 29 CFR 1910.1000 Table Z-2 for cadmium fume and cadmium dust apply to any operations or sectors for which the Cadmium standard, CFR 1910.1027, is stayed or otherwise not in effect.

Notes:

CARCINOGEN (Ca): REDUCE EXPOSURE TO LOWEST FEASIBLE CONCENTRATION (LOQ 0.1 mg/m³). See Appendix A, NIOSH Potential Occupational Carcinogens

Notes:

Visit the ACGIH TLV site for specific data
BEI®

Notes:
Health factors:  See NIH-NLM PubChem. IDLH

9 mg/m³

Carcinogenic classifications: IARC-1, NIOSH-Ca, NTP-K, OSHA-Ca, TLV-A2, EPA-B1 Notes:

Ca

AIHA emergency response planning guidelines - ERPG-1/ERPG-2/ERPG-3:

Additional Resources and Literature References

Last Updated Date : 04/08/2024