The most significant use of cadmium is in nickel/cadmium
batteries, as rechargeable or secondary power sources exhibiting high output, long life, low maintenance and high tolerance to physical
and electrical stress. Other uses of cadmium are as pigments,
stabilizers for PVC, in alloys and electronic compounds. Cadmium is
also present as an impurity in several products, including phosphate
fertilizers, detergents and refined petroleum products