However, there are problems with cadmium. In fact, it's considered one of the more dangerous common elements. It is mostly used in batteries (by far, according to the Cadmium wiki page) and in television sets as well as the aircraft industry. However, it is the art industry that is facing greater regulations in the European Union. According to The Art Newspaper, officials in Sweden want to ban cadmium across the EU because it apparently is affecting the food supply. They say that artists are washing the cadmium off their brushes and down the drain, which eventually makes it out to more natural resources. The article goes on to say that the paint industry is suggesting it's batteries that are making the difference.
A decision is expected in December, and this artist hopes that clear heads prevail and cadmium continues to brighten canvases for years to come.