Cadmium - Assessment Report on Issues of Concern

A two-page summary of the information on cadmium contained in the 2020 UNEP Assessment Report on Issues of Concern: Chemicals and Waste Issues Posing Risks to Human Health and the Environment and the 2019 Global Chemicals Outlook II. Cadmium is a toxic metal that is naturally found in the Earth’s crust, generally at low levels. Cadmium and cadmium compounds are mainly used in nickel-cadmium batteries, alloys, coatings and plating, pigments in plastics, glasses, ceramics and paints, solar cells, PVC stabilisers and others. It has been produced, used and released in large quantities, and thus intentional human uses have caused widespread, persistent contamination and exposure.