Name: Reaction Between Ferrous Ion and Potassium Dichromate
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 4 min 21 s
Description: This video explains the excellent oxidising agent, potassium dichromate. One mole of potassium dichromate can oxidise six moles of ferrous sulphate molecules...

Question

What is cadmium used for, how is it produced, and why are there problems of cadmium poisoning in the vicinity of zinc smelters?

Accepted Answer

Uses of Cadmium:

Cadmium is used in the production of nickel-cadmium $(Ni - Cd)$ rechargeable batteries

As a sacrificial corrosion-protection coating for iron and steel.

Common industrial uses for cadmium today are in batteries, alloys, coatings (electroplating), solar cells, plastic stabilisers, and pigments.

Cadmium is also used in nuclear reactors where it acts as a neutron absorber.

Production of Cadmium:

Cadmium (as cadmium oxide) is obtained mainly as a by-product during the processing of zinc-bearing ores (e.g. sphalerites), and also from the refining of lead and copper from sulfide ores (e.g. galena).

Cadmium Poisoning:

Occupational exposure to cadmium can lead to a variety of adverse health effects including cancer.

Acute inhalation exposure (high levels over a short period of time) to cadmium can result in flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, and muscle pain) and can damage the lungs.

Chronic exposure (low level over an extended period of time) can result in kidney, bone and lung disease.

What is cadmium used for, how is it produced, and why are there problems of cadmium poisoning in the vicinity of zinc smelters?

Important Questions on Group 12 - the Zinc Group

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