Kadmiumfärger

Kadmiumfärger, or cadmium colors, are a group of pigments derived from cadmium sulfide and cadmium selenide. These compounds produce vibrant, opaque colors ranging from yellow and orange to red and crimson. Historically, cadmium pigments have been highly valued for their intensity, lightfastness, and stability, making them popular in oil painting and other fine art applications.

The production of cadmium pigments involves chemical processes where cadmium salts are reacted with sulfur and selenium compounds. The specific shade of the pigment is determined by the ratio of sulfur to selenium and the conditions under which the precipitation occurs. Cadmium yellows are typically cadmium sulfide, while oranges and reds incorporate cadmium selenide.

Despite their desirable artistic qualities, cadmium pigments are associated with toxicity due to the presence of cadmium, a heavy metal. Exposure to cadmium can pose health risks, particularly through inhalation of dust or ingestion. Consequently, while still used by artists, there is an increasing trend towards developing and utilizing safer alternatives. Regulations and safety guidelines often govern the use and disposal of cadmium-containing materials. Modern artists and manufacturers may opt for pigments with similar hues but without the toxic heavy metal.