Several OECD countries have taken steps to reduce unacceptable human and environmental risks from exposure to cadmium. The over 30 papers collected here address a number of issues (health, environmental, economic and trade) pertaining to cadmium use. They represent a wide range of viewpoints, including those of governments and industry. Also included are reports from the OECD Cadmium Workshop held in Sweden in October 1995, during which participants sought to reach consensus on sources of cadmium inputs to the environment and on actions that could be taken to address national or international problems and concerns.