Cadmium arsenide application

Cadmium arsenide introduction

Cadmium arsenide is a chemical compound of cadmium and arsenic. It is a semiconductor and is used in infrared detectors, pressure sensors, magnetoresistors, and photodetectors. Cadmium is a transition metal and chemical element with the symbol Cd and atomic number 48. It is found naturally in the earth's crust, though rarely on it's own. Arsenic is a chemical element that has the symbol As and atomic number 33. It is a poisonous metalloid that has many allotropic forms: yellow (molecular non-metallic) and several black and grey forms.

Cadmium arsenide uses

Cadmium arsenide is a semiconductor and is used in infrared detectors, pressure sensors, magnetoresistors, and photodetectors.

Cadmium arsenide toxicity information

Chronic exposure to cadmium fumes can cause chemical pneumonitis, pulmonary edema, and lung diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema. Cadmium also accumulates in the kidneys, causing permanent damage. Loss of bone density also occurs. Arsenic poisoning can lead to death from multi-system organ failure, probably from necrotic cell death, not apoptosis. Arsenic is also a known carcinogen, esepcially in skin, liver, bladder and lung cancers.

Cadmium arsenide treatment

Cadmium poisoning is treated by removal from exposure and supportive care. If ingested, induced vomiting or gastric lavage may be performed. Arsenic poisoning can be treated by chelation therapy, using chelating agents such as dimercaprol, EDTA or DMSA. Charcoal tablets may also be used for less severe cases. In addition, maintaining a diet high in sulfur helps eliminate arsenic from the body.