Fact-sheet: Products containing cadmium

Cadmium is a toxic heavy metal. The use of cadmium must be limited as it is a toxic heavy metal. Cadmium is quite easily absorbed by plants and is through the food chain mainly accumulated in the liver and the kidneys in people. In exceptional cases, too much cadmium can lead to kidney failure.

Regulation

The use of cadmium is subject to extensive regulation both in Denmark and the EU due to its serious effects on humans and the environment.

In the EU, under the REACH Regulation, there is a ban on its use in various plastic materials, paint/varnish, jewelry, as solder as well as a ban on surface treatment (cadmium plating) of equipment and machinery for a number of uses. The limit is set at a content of 0.01 weight percent.

REACH also contains a provision that recycled PVC in a number of products within the construction industry, including for example profiles, cable ducts and the middle layer of 3-layer pipes, which are not used for drinking water, may contain a maximum of 0.1 weight percent cadmium. Recycled PVC must be labeled with "Contains recycled PVC" or with the following pictogram:

In the EU, cadmium is also regulated through special legislation for specific products, including batteries, electronics, cosmetics, toys, packaging, medical equipment, food, feed, etc.

In Denmark, it is prohibited to import, sell or manufacture products where cadmium has been used for surface treatment, as a color pigment or as a plastic stabilizer. The limit is set at a content of 0.0075 weight percent cadmium in the product's individual parts. This ban applies to products and materials that are not already covered by the EU ban under REACH.

In Denmark, commercial fertilizer with a total phosphorus content of 1% or more may contain up to 110 mg cadmium per kg phosphorus

Uses of Cadmium

Uses of Cadmium As a result of the extensive legislation for cadmium, the possibilities for its use are limited.

The primary use of cadmium is in nickel-cadmium batteries. This type of battery is mostly used in portable tools and in large emergency power batteries as well as medical equipment. However, from January 1, 2017, cadmium can no longer be used in portable batteries for cordless tools if the cadmium content exceeds 0.002%. There is a legal requirement for the collection and recycling of cadmium-containing batteries. The use of cadmium in batteries is not considered to pose a risk to humans and the environment, as long as the batteries are collected and treated according to the applicable rules.

The legislation also exempts some specific uses from the ban. This includes the use as a color pigment in ceramic products, dental cement, artist colors, for cadmium plating of musical instruments and precision instruments, use as a pigment or for cadmium plating of special vehicles, engines and machines. Further exceptions and clarifications can be read in the Danish Cadmium Order. There is a requirement that you must send a notification of the use to the Environmental Agency for certain other uses.

Please note that artist colors in some cases can be toxic due to the cadmium content.

Manufacturers, importers and dealers are responsible

Anyone who manufactures, sells or imports products containing cadmium is responsible for complying with the rules.

Control

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency's Chemical Inspection ensures that the rules are complied with and must ensure that illegal conditions are legalized. Violation of the rules can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to two years."