| Agent Name |
Nickel and compounds |
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| CAS Number |
7440-02-0, varies |
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| Formula |
Ni, varies |
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| Major Category |
Metals |
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| Synonyms |
Nickel metal: Elemental nickel, Nickel catalyst; Synonyms of other nickel compounds vary depending upon the specific compound. |
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| Category |
Metals, Elemental |
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| Description |
Metal: Lustrous, silvery, odorless solid. |
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| Sources/Uses |
In the past, nickel refinery workers had an increased risk for lung cancer because of significant nickel exposure. Workers are exposed to nickel in the production of nickel carbonyl from the Mond process; [LaDou, p. 423-5] Skin exposure to nickel is very common from electroplated or alloyed metals including: costume jewelry, clothing zippers and snaps, coins, keys, tools, utensils, instruments, metal furniture, batteries, machinery parts, and metalworking fluids. [Marks, p. 109] Nickel is also used as a catalyst; it is released in emissions from burning fossil fuels. [ATSDR ToxProfiles] |
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| Comments |
Nickel compounds, inhaled at high concentrations, can cause acute pneumonitis. [Harber, p. 499] Asthma: metal plating and welding (chromium and nickel) [Malo] ; Allergic contact dermatitis: electronics workers, hairdressers, housekeeping personnel, textile workers, and machinists; [Marks] About one half of nickel produced is used in stainless steel alloys. Sulfur-rich stainless steels are more likely to react with sweat, be absorbed in the skin, and cause sensitization. The prevalence of nickel skin allergy is higher in women (8-15%) than in men (1-3%) because of greater exposure to ear piercing and cheap jewelry. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) has been reported in electroplaters, battery workers, electronics workers, machinists, hairdressers, mechanics, and construction workers. ACD has also been reported in a bank clerk, a bartender, an engraver, a potter, and in tailors, offset printers, butchers, and musicians. The dimethylglyoxime test (Fisher's test) can detect nickel release from tools and jewelry. [Kanerva, p. 524-31] In high-dose animal studies, nickel and nickel carbonyl cause birth defects. [Frazier] |
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| Exposure Assessment |
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| Skin Designation (ACGIH) |
No |
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| Bioaccumulates |
Yes |
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| TLV (ACGIH) |
1.5 mg/m3, inhal. fraction(metal), 0.2 mg/m3, as Ni, inhal. fraction(insol. inorg.compds), 0.1 mg/m3, as Ni, inhal. fraction(sol. inorg. compds) |
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| PEL (OSHA) |
1 mg/m3, as Ni |
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| IDLH (NIOSH) |
10 mg/m3, as Ni |
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| Excerpts from Documentation for IDLHs |
Other animal data: It has been reported that pulmonary inflammation, degeneration of the bronchiolar mucosa, and atrophy of the olfactory epithelium resulted in rats and mice exposed to nickel sulfate hexahydrate at concentrations ranging from 0.7 to 13.5 mg Ni/m3 for 6 hours/day for 12 days [Benson et al. 1988]. |
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| Explanatory Notes |
Melting Point = 2831 degrees F; |
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| Half Life |
Whole body: 28 hours; [TDR, p. 1782] |
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| Reference Link |
ATSDR - ToxFAQs - Nickel |
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| Adverse Effects |
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| Asthma |
Yes |
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| Toxic Pneumonitis |
Yes |
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| Lung Cancer |
Yes |
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| Skin Sensitizer |
Yes |
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| Reproductive Toxin |
Yes |
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| IARC Carcinogen |
Known Carcinogen(compounds), Possible Carcinogen(metal) |
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| Links to Other NLM Databases |
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| Health Studies |
Human Health Effects from Hazardous Substances Data Bank: NICKEL, ELEMENTAL NICKEL COMPOUNDS
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