Cadmium

A metal found in several compounds: cadmium oxide, cadmium carbonate, cadmium chloride, cadmium sulfate, and cadmium sulfide. In paints, inks, enamels, glazes, and dyes, and POISONOUS!permanent pigments (reds, oranges, and yellows) are prepared from cadmiums, mostly cadmium sulfate. It is also used in electroplating, in solder for aluminum, as a constituent of easily fusible alloy, as a deoxidizer in nickel plating, in process engraving, and in nickel-cadmium batteries. Cadmiums are toxic.The following chart describes six different types of ceramic glazes, each carrying levels of concerns about cadmium, in order to help you to determine which are safe to use on dinnerware ? vessels for food or drink.1. Dinnerware safe. Contains no cadmium.2. Dinnerware safe. Contains some cadmium, but passes release tests.3. Contains cadmium. Not recommended for surfaces which contact food or drink.4. Contains no cadmium. Not recommended for food because of soft nature of the glaze.5. Contains no cadmium, but does not pass lead and cadmium release due to soft nature of the glaze.6. Contains cadmium bearing ingredients. Glaze not recommend on surfaces that contact food or drink.Another resource about cadmiums: "Pigments through the Ages" on cadmium yellow. Also see lead, lead glaze, and poison.