Substance profile
Cadmium
Cadmium is a silvery-white metal and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Cadmium is
Cadmium is a silvery-white metal and is odorless. Its molecular formula is Cd and its molecular weight is 112.41 g/mol. It boils at 767 °C, melts at 32.1 °C, is practically insoluble in water.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs).
02 · Identifiers
Cadmium identifiers and molecular data
Cadmium CAS number and EC number
Cadmium molecular formula and molecular weight
Other names for Cadmium
- C.I. 77180
- Cadmium Dust (As Cd)
- Cadmium Metal: Cadmium
- cadmium (pyrophoric)
03 · GHS classification
Cadmium hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Cadmium pictograms and signal word
Cadmium hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pyrophoric liquids or Pyrophoric solids | Category 1 | H250 | GHS02 |
| Acute toxicity - inhalation GHS chapter 3.1 | Category 1 or 2 | H330 | GHS06 |
| Germ cell mutagenicity GHS chapter 3.5 | Category 2 | H341 | GHS08 |
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 1A or 1B | H350 | GHS08 |
| Specific target organ toxicity - repeated exposure GHS chapter 3.9 | Category 1 | H372 | GHS08 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - acute GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 1 | H400 | GHS09 |
| Hazardous to the aquatic environment - chronic GHS chapter 4.1 | Category 1 | H410 | GHS09 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Cadmium hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H250 | Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air. |
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H341 | Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H361fd | Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child. |
| H330 | Fatal if inhaled. |
| H372 | Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
| H400 | Very toxic to aquatic life. |
| H410 | Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Cadmium. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Cadmium
Our own Cadmium safety data sheet walks through all sixteen sections of the published data. What it is not is the document an inspector asks for: an SDS is issued for a product by its supplier, so the sheet covering the grade actually standing in your store exists only in that supplier’s version. Collecting those and keeping them current as suppliers revise them is a separate job.
04 · Precautionary statements
Cadmium precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 13 precautionary statements to Cadmium. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Disposal
What has to happen to the contents and the empty container.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Cadmium name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | кадмий (пирофорен) |
| Spanish español | Cadmio (pirofórico) |
| Czech čeština | kadmium (pyroforické) |
| Danish dansk | cadmium (ustabiliseret) |
| German Deutsch | Cadmium (pyrophor) |
| Estonian eesti | kaadmium (pürofoorne) |
| Greek ελληνικά | κάδμιο (πυροφόρο) |
| English English | cadmium (pyrophoric) |
| French français | cadmium (pyrophorique) |
| Croatian hrvatski | kadmij (piroforni) |
| Italian italiano | cadmio (piroforico) |
| Latvian latviešu | kadmijs (pirofors) |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | kadmis (piroforas) |
| Hungarian magyar | kadmium (piroforos) |
| Maltese Malti | kadmju (piroforiku) |
| Dutch Nederlands | cadmium (pyrofoor) |
| Polish polski | kadm (piroforyczny) |
| Portuguese português | cádmio (pirofórico) |
| Romanian română | cadmiu (piroforic) |
| Slovak slovenčina | kadmium (pyroforické) |
| Slovenian slovenščina | kadmij (piroforen) |
| Finnish suomi | kadmium (pyroforinen) |
| Swedish svenska | kadmium (pyrofort) |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Cadmium GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Cadmium, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Cadmium
- Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air.
- May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Suspected of causing genetic defects <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Suspected of damaging fertility. Suspected of damaging the unborn child.
- Fatal if inhaled.
- Causes damage to organs <or state all organs affected, if known> through prolonged or repeated exposure <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Very toxic to aquatic life.
- Very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.
- Do not eat, drink or smoke when using this product.
- Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.
- Avoid release to the environment.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF INHALED:
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Immediately call a POISON CENTER/doctor/…
- Get medical advice/attention.
- Get medical advice/attention if you feel unwell.
- Collect spillage.
- Dispose of contents/container to …
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Cadmium in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Cadmium health hazards and exposure limits
Cadmium hazard summary
Cadmium is a natural element in the earth's crust. It is usually found as a mineral combined with other elements such as oxygen (cadmium oxide), chlorine (cadmium chloride), or sulfur (cadmium sulfate, cadmium sulfide). All soils and rocks, including coal and mineral fertilizers, contain some cadmium. Most cadmium used in the United States is extracted during the production of other metals like zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium does not corrode easily and has many uses, including batteries, pigments, metal coatings, and plastics.
Source: Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)
Cadmium carcinogenicity classification
Cancer Classification: Group B1 Probable Human Carcinogen
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
CLASSIFICATION: B1; probable human carcinogen. BASIS FOR CLASSIFICATION: Limited evidence from occupational epidemiologic studies of cadmium is consistent across investigators and study populations. There is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in rats and mice by inhalation and intramuscular and subcutaneous injection. Seven studies in rats and mice wherein cadmium salts (acetate, sulfate, chloride) were administered orally have shown no evidence of carcinogenic response. HUMAN CARCINOGENICITY DATA: Limited.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
Cadmium occupational exposure limits
| Limit | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| PEL | 0.005 [mg/m3], as Cd, see 29 CFR 1910.1027 | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| PEL | 5 µg/m³ [2.5 µg/m³ Action Level] | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
| PEL | [1910.1027] TWA 0.005 mg/m3 [*Note: The PEL applies to all Cadmium compounds (as Cd).] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| REL | Ca See Appendix A [*Note: The REL applies to all Cadmium compounds (as Cd).] | The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
| IDLH | 9 mg Cd/m3 ; A potential occupational carcinogen. (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO Chemicals |
| IDLH | 9.0 [mg/m3], as Cd | Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases |
| IDLH | 9 mg/m³ | Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) |
These are United States values. The European Union sets its own indicative and binding limits, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation — not the one shown here.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Cadmium properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Cadmium boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | 767 °C (1412.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| 765 °C (1409 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 765 °C (1409 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Cadmium melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | 32.07 °C (89.7 °F) | HSDB | |
| 321.11 °C (610 °F) | NIOSH | ||
| 320.89 °C (609.6 °F) | CAMEO |
Cadmium density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 8.65 g/cm³ | metal | NIOSH |
| 8.642 g/cm³ | CAMEO | ||
| 8.69 g/cm³ | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Cadmium solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | HSDB | |
| Insoluble | NIOSH | ||
| Insoluble (NIOSH, 2024) | CAMEO |
Cadmium vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 0.0000021 mmHg | HSDB | |
| 0 mmHg | approx | NIOSH |
Cadmium autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 250 °C (482 °F) | Cadmium metal dust | HSDB |
| 250 °C (482 °F) | cadmium metal dust | ICSC |
Cadmium lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | The dust ignites spontaneously in air and is flammable and explosive when exposed to heat ... . | HSDB | |
| Metal: Noncombustible Solid in bulk form, but will burn in powder form. | NIOSH |
Cadmium corrosivity
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrosivity | Corrosion resistance poor in industrial atmosphere | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Cadmium fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Cadmium fire potential
Powdered cadmium is flammable.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Cadmium storage and handling
Cadmium reactive group
CAMEO Chemicals places Cadmium in the reactive group Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active. Compatibility with other chemicals is worked out from the group, not from the individual substance — which is why two substances you have never seen react can still be flagged as a pair that must be separated.
A reactive group is a CAMEO Chemicals (US NOAA) grouping, not a GHS hazard class: it has no code, no category and no legal force. It is what the storage compatibility matrix on this site computes from.
Cadmium safe storage
Fireproof. Dry. Keep under inert gas. Separated from ignition sources, oxidants, acids and food and feedstuffs.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Cadmium storage conditions
Keep containers closed and protect against physical damage.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Cadmium incompatible materials
The dust ignites spontaneously in air and is flammable and explosive when exposed to heat, flame, or by chemical reaction with oxidizing agents, metals, ammonia, zinc, selenium, and tellurium.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Cadmium reactivity
A violent explosion occurred 30 minutes after placement of a CADMIUM rod into hydrazoic acid [Mellor 8 Supp. 2:50 1967]. Fused ammonium nitrate with powdered metal often produces a violent explosive reaction. Reactivity similar to zinc. May be incompatible with oxidants.
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Cadmium in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Questions
Cadmium — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Cadmium?
The CAS number of Cadmium is 7440-43-9. Its EC number is 231-152-8.
What is the chemical formula of Cadmium?
The molecular formula of Cadmium is Cd and its molecular weight is 112.41 g/mol.
What does a Cadmium label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Cadmium carries the pictograms Flame, Skull and crossbones, Health hazard and Environment and the signal word is Danger.
Is Cadmium flammable?
Yes. CLP Annex VI assigns Cadmium H250 — catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air.
Is Cadmium a carcinogen?
Yes. CLP Annex VI classifies Cadmium as a category 1A or 1B carcinogen and assigns it H350: may cause cancer. IARC places it in Group 1: carcinogenic to humans.
What is the exposure limit for Cadmium?
The US occupational exposure limit reported for Cadmium is 0.005 [mg/m3], as Cd, see 29 CFR 1910.1027 (Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases). Limits differ by country: the EU sets its own indicative and binding values, and the figure that applies at a given workplace is the one in the local regulation.
What is the boiling point of Cadmium?
The boiling point reported for Cadmium is 767 °C (1412.6 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Cadmium?
The melting point reported for Cadmium is 32.07 °C (89.7 °F) (HSDB).
How should Cadmium be stored?
Keep containers closed and protect against physical damage. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Cadmium
Keep going: substances starting with C, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.
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