Calcination causes some oxidation of the product, resulting in the formation of soluble cadmium sulfate. Prevailing regulations require pigments or pigmented articles to pass tests for the extraction of heavy metals. In order to meet these tests any soluble cadmium must first be removed. This is achieved by acidification with dilute mineral acid, followed by decant/washing of the fired slurry, or filtration and washing by some other means.
3.4.11