Environmental Health
Nickel contributes in many ways to the health of people and environments. It is, as well, an essential
element for plants, some animals and perhaps for humans. It can, however, have toxic effects in certain
circumstances and at certain dosages. The routes of exposure of potential concern are:
| Ingestion: | All foods and water contain some nickel. Nickel can be toxic at high levels although the human body is
generally able to regulate the level of nickel through normal excretory processes. |
| Nickel allergic contact dermatitis is a common but preventable condition and not usually associated with
stainless steels. |
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| Inhalation: | In occupational situations, the inhalation of high levels of certain forms of soluble nickel compounds
have been shown to be capable of causing cancer. Chronic exposure to high levels of nickel dusts can lead to
impaired lung function. |
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Emissions to |
Nickel is a naturally occurring element and, as a consequence of natural processes, can be found in all waters, soils, sediments and in the air. As with all chemicals, however, excessive amounts of nickel in different environmental compartments can have deleterious effects. |
More information about nickel and interactions with human health and the environment can be found by using the navigational buttons on the right side of this page.
