Key Takeaways
- Global cadmium production reached 25,400 metric tons in 2022, primarily as a byproduct of zinc mining.
- China accounted for 31% of world cadmium production in 2022 with 7,900 metric tons output.
- Korea produced 5,600 metric tons of cadmium in 2022, representing 22% of global supply.
- Cadmium demand in Ni-Cd batteries consumed 40% of global supply in 2020.
- Pigments and stabilizers used 23% of cadmium production in 2022 for plastics and paints.
- Cadmium coatings for steel fasteners accounted for 15% of usage in industrial applications.
- Atmospheric cadmium emissions from smelters decreased by 90% in Europe since 1990.
- Soil cadmium levels exceed 3 mg/kg in 20% of agricultural lands near zinc mines in China.
- Global cadmium river discharge is 1,500 tonnes annually from industrial wastewater.
- Human cadmium exposure via food averages 10 micrograms per day in non-smokers.
- Cadmium nephropathy affects 5% of population in Itai-itai disease endemic areas in Japan.
- Blood cadmium levels above 5 micrograms/L increase osteoporosis risk by 2-fold.
- Average global cadmium price was $2,100 per metric ton in 2022.
- Cadmium market size projected to reach $12.5 billion by 2028 at 5.2% CAGR.
- U.S. cadmium imports totaled 250 metric tons in 2022 valued at $0.5 million.
Cadmium production is growing but remains heavily regulated due to serious health and environmental risks.
Environmental Impact
Environmental Impact Interpretation
Health Effects
Health Effects Interpretation
Market and Economic Data
Market and Economic Data Interpretation
Production Statistics
Production Statistics Interpretation
Usage Statistics
Usage Statistics Interpretation
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