PR108:1

Cadmium-Barium Red, a cadmium red made in a more inexpensive way. Seen sometimes in student brands. The health warnings for cadmium red apply also to PR108:1. See the entry for PR108 Cadmium Red for more information.

Debate has raged around the toxicity of cadmiums, and they are listed as pigments with toxicity, so be extremely cautious with them. Lately we have seen a lot of resources suggesting the modern cadmium pigments are engineered to be far less toxic but we still treat them with great caution. Here's a source, another source and another source. However, we always err on the side of caution with pigments (there is no downside to being super careful) and so we always handle these with respect. Also beware with older cadmiums for many reasons as they may also contain toxic adulterants like lead. We have read not to breathe them (this means not using them for airbrush). However, we are not experts in health and safety so please consult the relevant authorities on their proper handling, toxicity, and disposal. According to the work of Monona Rossol, cadmium is a carcinogen and causes kidney damage. The Artist's Guide to Health and Safety has more information about the hazards of pigments containing Cadmium, Selenium and Barium. They should not be sprayed and the dust should be stringently avoided (remember in regard to avoiding sanding). It should go without saying, but absolutely do not ingest any pigment.

PR108:1 is a cheaper way of making cadmium red which has less strength.

One interesting thing is that cadmium reds and the related cadmium-barium reds as having rather lean to medium oil requirements (of course this depends on the way the paint is formulated), which relate to their use lower levels of an oil painting. If additional driers have not been added, they do tend to dry slowly.

Overall, Cadmium Red is a superb pigment for use by professional painters.