High-Risk Occupational Settings

High-exposure occupations include smelting zinc and lead ores, welding or remelting cadmium-coated steel, working with cadmium solders, and handling cadmium powders. Nickel-cadmium battery recycling is an important occupational exposure setting. EU circular economy goals may expand the number of workers exposed in recycling operations. Cadmium exposure is expected when workplaces heat, process, or handle cadmium-containing materials. Smelting and electroplating are examples of work settings where cadmium exposure can occur.