Cadmium—Towards a rational use of a toxic element |
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Authors: | Walter Tötsch |
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Institution: | (1) Fraunhofer-Institut für Systemtechnik und Innovationsforschung, Breslauer Strasse 48, D-7500 Karlsruhe 1, FRG |
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Abstract: | Because of its toxicity, cadmium creates an environmental problem as well as a health hazard for exposed workers. Most cadmium
emissions arise from the intentional use of the element. It is therefore mandatory to reduce cadmium consumption to the lowest
possible level. Cadmium pigments, mainly used in plastic processing, can be replaced in all applications where the processing
temperature does not exceed 300°C. Newly developed polyvinyl chloride stabilizers promise to be an excellent substitute for
cadmium stabilizers in even the most demanding applications. Cadmium plating, still extensively used in the United States
and the West Germany, has been virtually abandoned in Japan. Improved lead acid batteries are replacing vented nickel cadmium
batteries because of their cost effectiveness. While in these applications cadmium use is declining, more and more cadmium
is needed for the manufacturing of sealed nickel cadmium batteries. These relatively small electrochemical cells are used
mainly by individual consumers. Here cadmium can only be replaced in some marginal applications. The high cadmium content
of these batteries (up to 22%) makes them a good candidate for recycling of the heavy metal. |
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Keywords: | Cadmium Uses Substitution Recycling Pigments Stabilizers Electroplating Batteries |
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