Nickel

58.69340

57.93530

231-111-4

7OV03QG267|NUZ5T2QN2V

0062

1378|2881|3077

DTXSID2020925

C690

SILVERY METAL|Metal: Lustrous, silvery solid.|Lustrous, white, hard, ferromagnetic metal; face centered cubic crystals|Silvery, malleable, magnetic metal

38151100

0

0.00000

Metal catalyst, wetted appears as an extremely fine gray powder mixed with water. Insoluble in water and does not react with larger volumes of water.

8.908 g/cm³

1455 °C

2730 °C

Insoluble

Flammables area

0 mmHg (approx)

5.8 (vs air)

Metal: Combustible Solid; nickel sponge catalyst may ignite SPONTANEOUSLY in air.

Odorless

Heat capacity @ 25 °C: 6.23 cal/g-atom/deg C; Mohs' hardness 3.8; latent heat of fusion 73 cal/g; electrical resistivity @ 20 °C: 6.844 microohms/cm; burns in oxygen, forming nickel oxide; decomp steam @ a red heat; slowly attacked by dil hydrochloric or sulfuric acid; readily attacked by nitric acid; five naturally occurring isotopes: 58 (67.76%); 60 (26.16%); 61 (1.25%); 62 (3.66%); 64 (1.16%); artificial isotopes: 56; 57; 59; 63; 65-67|Not attacked by fused alkali hydroxides|Readily fabricated by hot and cold working; takes high polish|Atomic number 28; valence 2; seldom 1,3,4|For more Other Experimental Properties (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

May ignite spontaneously in air. Insoluble in water.|Insoluble in water.|Pyrophoric, Ignites spontaneously in the presence of air; during storage, H2 escapes with fire and explosion hazards; reacts violently with acids forming H2. [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 807].

Metals, Elemental and Powder, Active

Strong Reducing Agent

NICKEL CATALYST tends to react with oxidizing agents. If exposed to air may react rapidly enough to ignite. Can generate hydrogen gas with fire and explosion hazards during storage [Handling Chemicals Safely 1980. p. 807]. Reacts violently with acids forming gaseous hydrogen. May react with azo/diazo compounds to form explosive products. Can catalyze polymerization reactions in several classes of organic compounds; these polymerizations sometimes proceed rapidly or even explosively. May form explosive products with halogenated hydrocarbons.|NICKEL METAL is not highly reactive in bulk. A reducing agent. Reacts with (is corroded by) acids to generate flammable hydrogen. Burns when heated in oxygen. Incompatible with oxidizing agents such as oxidizing acids, ammonium nitrate, chlorine, potassium perchlorate, nitryl fluoride. Powdered nickel is much more reactive; can ignite in air [Bretherick 1979 p. 170-171].|Metals, such as METAL CATALYST, are reducing agents and tend to react with oxidizing agents. Their reactivity is strongly influenced by their state of subdivision: in bulk they often resist chemical combination; in powdered form they may react very rapidly. Thus, as a bulk metal it is somewhat unreactive, but finely divided material may be pyrophoric. The metal reacts exothermically with compounds having active hydrogen atoms (such as acids and water) to form flammable hydrogen gas and caustic products. The reactions are less vigorous than the similar reactions of alkali metals, but the released heat can still ignite the released hydrogen. Materials in this group may react with azo/diazo compounds to form explosive products. These metals and the products of their corrosion by air and water can catalyze polymerization reactions in several classes of organic compounds; these polymerizations sometimes proceed rapidly or even explosively. Some metals in this group form explosive products with halogenated hydrocarbons. Can react explosively with oxidizing materials.

Flammable ... as dust or fume.|Metal: Combustible Solid; nickel sponge catalyst may ignite SPONTANEOUSLY in air.

If dry, it can be charged electrostatically by swirling, pneumatic transport, pouring, etc. Dust explosion possible if in powder or granular form, mixed with air.

Excellent resistance to corrosion

II

4.1

UN 1378/2881

3

R17; R40; R43

S24-S36/37-S45

VW4725000

Xn

Store only in original packaging. Cool. Well closed. Separated from strong oxidants and acids. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Stable in massive form. Powder is pyrophoric - can ignite spontaneously. May react violently with titanium, ammonium nitrate, potassium perchlorate, hydrazoic acid. Incompatible with acids, oxidizing agents, sulfur.

P273-P280-P314-P333 + P313

H317-H351-H372-H412

SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill) disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": There is no universal method of disposal that has been proved satisfactory for all carcinogenic compounds & specific methods of chem destruction ... published have not been tested on all kinds of carcinogen-containing waste. ... Summary of avail methods & recommendations ... /given/ must be treated as guide only. /Chemical Carcinogens/|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... Incineration may be only feasible method for disposal of contaminated laboratory waste from biological expt. However, not all incinerators are suitable for this purpose.The most efficient type ... is probably the gas fired type, in which a first-stage combustion with a less than stoichiometric air:fuel ratio is followed by a second stage with excess air. Some ... are designed to accept ... aqueous & organic solvent solutions, otherwise it is necessary ... to absorb soln onto suitable combustible material, such as sawdust. Alternatively, chem destruction may be used, esp when small quantities ... are to be destroyed in laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": HEPA (high efficiency particulate arrestor) filters ... can be disposed of by incineration. For spent charcoal filters, the adsorbed material can be stripped off at high temp & carcinogenic wastes generated by this treatment conducted to & burned in an incinerator. ... LIQUID WASTE: ... Disposal should be carried out by incineration at temp that ... ensure complete combustion. SOLID WASTE: Carcasses of lab animals, cage litter & misc solid wastes ... should be disposed of by incineration at temp high enough to ensure destruction of chem carcinogens or their metabolites. /Chemical Carcinogens/|For more Disposal Methods (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

MIXTURES CONTAINING POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE WITH NICKEL & TITANIUM POWDERS & INFUSORIAL EARTH GAVE SEVERE EXPLOSIONS DURING A FRICTION TEST.|SPARKS--LESS THAN THOSE AVAILABLE FROM STATIC ELECTRICITY ON THE HUMAN BODY--CAN IGNITE THE MIXTURE /CONTAINING POTASSIUM PERCHLORATE WITH NICKEL & TITANIUM POWDERS & INFUSORIAL EARTH/.|Upon heating, a mixture of powdered nickel and sulfur or selenium will react incandescently.|If nickel powder comes into contact with bromine pentafluoride at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures, ignition will probably occur.|For more Hazardous Reactivities and Incompatibilities (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (10 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Substance added directly to human food affirmed as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).

National Toxicology Program. Eleventh Report on Carcinogens (2005). The Report on Carcinogens is an informational scientific and public health document that identifies and discusses substances (including agents, mixtures, or exposure circumstances) that may pose a carcinogenic hazard to human health. Nickel Compounds and Metallic Nickel (7440-02-0) are listed as reasonably anticipated to be human carcinogens. /Nickel Compounds and Metallic Nickel/[Available from, as of July 31, 2009: http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s118nick.pdf]

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: May react violently or explosively on contact with water. Some are transported in flammable liquids. May be ignited by friction, heat, sparks or flames. Some of these materials will burn with intense heat. Dusts or fumes may form explosive mixtures in air. Containers may explode when heated. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]: Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. (ERG, 2016)|Flammable as dust. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Finely dispersed particles form explosive mixtures in air.

|Danger|H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P280, P281, P302+P352, P308+P313, P314, P321, P333+P313, P363, P405, and P501|H317 (100%): May cause an allergic skin reaction [Warning Sensitization, Skin]|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P273, P280, P281, P302+P352, P308+P313, P314, P321, P333+P313, P363, P405, and P501|Aggregated GHS information provided by 4454 companies from 79 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.|H250 (100%): Catches fire spontaneously if exposed to air [Danger Pyrophoric liquids; Pyrophoric solids]|P201, P202, P210, P222, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P273, P280, P281, P302+P334, P302+P352, P308+P313, P314, P321, P333+P313, P363, P370+P378, P391, P405, P422, and P501|The GHS information provided by 1 company from 1 notification to the ECHA C&L Inventory.|P201, P202, P260, P261, P264, P270, P272, P280, P281, P285, P302+P352, P304+P341, P307+P311, P308+P313, P314, P321, P333+P313, P342+P311, P363, P405, and P501|Not Classified

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 50 meters (160 feet). FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]: As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. SPILL: Increase, in the downwind direction, as necessary, the isolation distance shown above. FIRE: If tank, rail car or tank truck is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 800 meters (1/2 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]: Fully encapsulating, vapor-protective clothing should be worn for spills and leaks with no fire. ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames in immediate area). Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. SMALL SPILL: EXCEPTION: For spills of Xanthates, UN3342 and for Dithionite (Hydrosulfite/Hydrosulphite), UN1384, UN1923 and UN1929, dissolve in 5 parts water and collect for proper disposal. CAUTION: UN3342 when flooded with water will continue to evolve flammable Carbon disulfide/Carbon disulphide vapors. Cover with DRY earth, DRY sand or other non-combustible material followed with plastic sheet to minimize spreading or contact with rain. Use clean, non-sparking tools to collect material and place it into loosely covered plastic containers for later disposal. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. (ERG, 2016)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. (ERG, 2016)|Skin: Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact. Eyes: No recommendation is made specifying the need for eye protection. Wash skin: The worker should immediately wash the skin when it becomes contaminated. The worker should wash daily at the end of each work shift. Remove: Work clothing that becomes wet or significantly contaminated should be removed and replaced. Change: Workers whose clothing may have become contaminated should change into uncontaminated clothing before leaving the work premise. (NIOSH, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. (ERG, 2016)|ENGINEERING CONTROLS & PROTECTIVE CLOTHING ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE SAFE WORKING CONDITIONS.|Use goggles, barrier shields, and other devices as necessary for personal protection; use polyvinyl chloride, not rubber, for gloves.|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... dispensers of liq detergent /should be available./ ... Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. ... In animal laboratory, personnel should ... wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. ... gowns ... /should be/ of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they are not to be worn outside the laboratory. /Chemical Carcinogens/|Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent skin contact.|For more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.|(See protection codes)

Flood with water. Use dry chemical, graphite, or dry earth. /Nickel catalyst, wet/

PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": A high efficiency particulate arrestor (HEPA) or charcoal filters can be used to minimize amt of carcinogen in exhausted air ventilated safety cabinets, lab hoods, glove boxes or animal rooms. ... Filter housing that is designed so that used filters can be transferred into plastic bag without contaminating maintenance staff is avail commercially. Filters should be placed in plastic bags immediately after removal. ... The plastic bag should be sealed immediately. ... The sealed bag should be labelled properly. ... Waste liquids ... should be placed or collected in proper containers for disposal. The lid should be secured & the bottles properly labelled. Once filled, bottles should be placed in plastic bag, so that outer surface ... is not contaminated. ... The plastic bag should also be sealed & labelled. ... Broken glassware ... should be decontaminated by solvent extraction, by chemical destruction, or in specially designed incinerators. /Chemical Carcinogens/

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants.|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": Smoking, drinking, eating, storage of food or of food & beverage containers or utensils, & the application of cosmetics should be prohibited in any laboratory. All personnel should remove gloves, if worn, after completion of procedures in which carcinogens have been used. They should ... wash ... hands, preferably using dispensers of liq detergent, & rinse ... thoroughly. Consideration should be given to appropriate methods for cleaning the skin, depending on nature of the contaminant. No standard procedure can be recommended, but the use of organic solvents should be avoided. Safety pipettes should be used for all pipetting. /Chemical Carcinogens/|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": In animal laboratory, personnel should remove their outdoor clothes & wear protective suits (preferably disposable, one-piece & close-fitting at ankles & wrists), gloves, hair covering & overshoes. ... clothing should be changed daily but ... discarded immediately if obvious contamination occurs ... /also,/ workers should shower immediately. In chemical laboratory, gloves & gowns should always be worn ... however, gloves should not be assumed to provide full protection. Carefully fitted masks or respirators may be necessary when working with particulates or gases, & disposable plastic aprons might provide addnl protection. If gowns are of distinctive color, this is a reminder that they should not be worn outside of lab. /Chemical Carcinogens/|PRECAUTIONS FOR "CARCINOGENS": ... operations connected with synth & purification ... should be carried out under well-ventilated hood. Analytical procedures ... should be carried out with care & vapors evolved during ... procedures should be removed. ... Expert advice should be obtained before existing fume cupboards are used ... & when new fume cupboards are installed. It is desirable that there be means for decreasing the rate of air extraction, so that carcinogenic powders can be handled without ... powder being blown around the hood. Glove boxes should be kept under negative air pressure. Air changes should be adequate, so that concn of vapors of volatile carcinogens will not occur. /Chemical Carcinogens/|For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

/GUIDE 135: SUBSTANCES - SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE/ Fire or Explosion: Flammable/combustible material. May ignite on contact with moist air or moisture. May burn rapidly with flare-burning effect. Some react vigorously or explosively on contact with water. Some may decompose explosively when heated or involved in a fire. May re-ignite after fire is extinguished. Runoff may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. /Nickel catalyst, dry/|/GUIDE 135: SUBSTANCES - SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE/ Health: Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. /Nickel catalyst, dry/|/GUIDE 135: SUBSTANCES - SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number ... . As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area in all directions for at least 50 meters (150 feet) for liquids and at least 25 meters (75 feet) for solids. Stay upwind. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Keep out of low areas. /Nickel catalyst, dry/|/GUIDE 135: SUBSTANCES - SPONTANEOUSLY COMBUSTIBLE/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection. /Nickel catalyst, dry/|For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

No person may /transport,/ offer or accept a hazardous material for transportation in commerce unless that person is registered in conformance ... and the hazardous material is properly classed, described, packaged, marked, labeled, and in condition for shipment as required or authorized by ... /the hazardous materials regulations (49 CFR 171-177)./|The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations are published by the IATA Dangerous Goods Board pursuant to IATA Resolutions 618 and 619 and constitute a manual of industry carrier regulations to be followed by all IATA Member airlines when transporting hazardous materials.|The International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code lays down basic principles for transporting hazardous chemicals. Detailed recommendations for individual substances and a number of recommendations for good practice are included in the classes dealing with such substances. A general index of technical names has also been compiled. This index should always be consulted when attempting to locate the appropriate procedures to be used when shipping any substance or article.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 1 mg/cu m. /Nickel, soluble cmpd, as Ni/|Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time Weighted Avg: 1 mg/cu m. /Nickel, metal and insoluble cmpd, as Ni/

NIOSH considers nickel metal and other compounds (as Ni) to be a potential occupational carcinogen. /Nickel metal and other compounds (as Ni)/|NIOSH usually recommends that occupational exposures to carcinogens be limited to the lowest feasible concentration. /Nickel metal and other compounds (as Ni)/|Recommended Exposure Limit: 10 Hr TWA 0.015 mg/cu m. /Nickel metal and other compounds (as Ni)/

Personal protection: particulate filter respirator adapted to the airborne concentration of the substance. Do NOT let this chemical enter the environment. Sweep spilled substance into sealable containers. If appropriate, moisten first to prevent dusting. Carefully collect remainder. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

Store only in original packaging. Cool. Well closed. Separated from strong oxidants and acids. Store in an area without drain or sewer access.

Evaporation at 20 °C is negligible; a harmful concentration of airborne particles can, however, be reached quickly when dispersed.

May cause mechanical irritation. Inhalation of fume may cause pneumonitis.

Repeated or prolonged contact may cause skin sensitization. Repeated or prolonged inhalation may cause asthma. The substance may have effects on the respiratory tract. This may result in chronic inflammation of the respiratory tract and fibrosis. This substance is possibly carcinogenic to humans if inhaled.

Closed system, dust explosion-proof electrical equipment and lighting. Prevent deposition of dust.

PREVENT DISPERSION OF DUST! AVOID ALL CONTACT!

Use local exhaust or breathing protection.

Protective gloves. Protective clothing.

Wear safety spectacles or eye protection in combination with breathing protection.

Listed as a hazardous air pollutant (HAP) generally known or suspected to cause serious health problems. The Clean Air Act, as amended in 1990, directs EPA to set standards requiring major sources to sharply reduce routine emissions of toxic pollutants. EPA is required to establish and phase in specific performance based standards for all air emission sources that emit one or more of the listed pollutants. Nickel is included on this list.

| 2 - Materials that, under emergency conditions, can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury.| 4 - Materials that rapidly or completely vaporize at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature or that are readily dispersed in air and burn readily.| 1 - Materials that in themselves are normally stable but that can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Nickel is a very abundant natural element. Pure nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal. Nickel can be combined with other metals, such as iron, copper, chromium, and zinc, to form alloys. These alloys are used to make coins, jewelry, and items such as valves and heat exchangers. Most nickel is used to make stainless steel.Nickel can combine with other elements such as chlorine, sulfur, and oxygen to form nickel compounds. Many nickel compounds dissolve fairly easy in water and have a green color. Nickel compounds are used for nickel plating, to color ceramics, to make some batteries, and as substances known as catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions.Nickel is found in all soil and is emitted from volcanoes. Nickel is also found in meteorites and on the ocean floor. Nickel and its compounds have no characteristic odor or taste.|Nickel occurs naturally in the environment at low levels. Nickel is an essential element in some animal species, and it has been suggested it may be essential for human nutrition. Nickel dermatitis, consisting of itching of the fingers, hands, and forearms, is the most common effect in humans from chronic (long-term) skin contact with nickel. Respiratory effects have also been reported in humans from inhalation exposure to nickel. Human and animal studies have reported an increased risk of lung and nasal cancers from exposure to nickel refinery dusts and nickel subsulfide. Animal studies of soluble nickel compounds (i.e., nickel carbonyl) have reported lung tumors. EPA has classified nickel refinery dust and nickel subsulfide as Group A, human carcinogens, and nickel carbonyl as a Group B2, probable human carcinogen.

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 100 lb or 45.5 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802; In the Washington D.C. metropolitan area (202) 426-2675. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

Nickel is a ubiquitous trace metal and occurs in soil, water, air and the biosphere. Nickel ore deposits are accumulations of nickel sulfide minerals (mostly pentlandite) and laterites. Most nickel is used for production of stainless steel and other nickel alloys with high corrosion and temperature resistance. Nickel levels in terrestrial and aquatic organisms can vary over several orders of magnitude. Dermal exposure in the general environment is important for the induction and maintenance of contact hypersensitivity caused by daily contact with nickel plated objects or nickel containing alloys (e.g. jewellery, coins or clips). Iatrogenic exposure to nickel results from implants and prostheses made from nickel containing alloys, from iv or dialysis fluids and from radiographic contrast media. In the working environment, airborne nickel concentrations can vary from a few microgram/cu m to a few mg/cu m, depending upon the process involved and the nickel content of the material being handled. Workers are exposed to nickel containing dusts and fumes during welding, plating, grinding, mining, nickel refining, and in steel plants. Dermal exposure to nickel may occur in a wide range of jobs, either by direct exposure, dissolved nickel in refining, electroplating and electroforming industries or by handling nickel containing materials. Nickel can be absorbed in human beings and animals via inhalation or ingestion or percutaneously. Respiratory absorption with secondary gastrointestinal absorption (insoluble and soluble) is a major route of entry during occupational exposure. Percutaneous absorption is negligible, quantatively, but is important in the pathogenesis of contact hypersensitivity. Nickel is transported in the blood, principally bound to albumin. Gastrointestinal absorption of nickel is variable and depends on the composition of the diet. All body secretions are potential routes of excretion including the urine, bile, sweat, tears, milk and mucociliary fluid. Non-absorbed nicke is eliminated in the feces. Data on nickel excretion suggest a two compartment model. Nickel concentration in the serum and urine of healthy non-occupationally exposed adults are 0.2 ug/l (range: 0.05-1.1 ug/l) and 1.5 ug creatinine (range: 0.5-4.0 mg/g creatinine, respectively. The body burden of nickel in non-exposed 70 kg adult is 0.5 ug. Nickel is essential for the catalytic activity of some plant and bacterial enzymes. Slow weight gain, anemia and decreased viability has been described in some animal species after dietary deprivation of nickel. Contact allergy to nickel is very common in human beings; experimental sensitization in animals is only successful under special conditions. Longterm inhalation exposure to metallic nickel caused mucosal damage and inflammatory reaction, sometimes accompanied by slight fibrosis, was observed in rabbits after high level exposure to nickel graphite dust. Metallic nickel induced local mesenchymal tumors in a variety of experimental animals after im, sc, intraosseous, intrarenal, intra-articular, pleural, intraocular, intratesticular or intra-adipose administrtation. Metallic nickel has been tested for carcinogenicity by parenteral routes of administration, local tumors were noted. In studies using repeated intratracheal instillation, nickel powder caused respiratory tumors. Chronic effects such as rhinitis, sinusitis, nasal septal perforations and asthma have been reported in nickel refinery and nickel plating workers. Some researchers reported pulmonary changes with fibrosis in workers handling nickel dust. Orsal nickel intake may aggravate vesicular hand eczema. Prostheses or other surgical implants make with nickel containing alloys have been reported to cause nickel sensitization. Cancer rates have generally been close to normal in stainless steel welding and nickel using industries, with the exception of those involving exposure to chromium, particularly electroplating. Nickel/cadmium battery workers exposed to high levels of both nickel and cadmium may have resulted in a slightly increased risk of lung cancer. Excesses of various cancers other than lung and nasal cancers such as renal, gastric or prostatic have occasionally been reported in nickel workers, but none have been found consistently. No increased cancer risk has been demonstrated in workers exposed exclusively to metallic nickel. The combined data on nickel alloy workers and gasseous diffusion workers, all of whom were exposed to average concentrations of the order of 0.5 mg nickel/cu m show no excess risk, though the total number of lung cancers in these cohorts was to small to exclude a small increase in risk at this level.

Abundance in earth's crust 0.018%. ... occurs free in meteorites.|... THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT PURE NICKEL POWDERS ... OF LESS THAN 1 U IN SIZE ARE DEPOSITED AS METEORITIC DUST FROM STRATOSPHERE. /NICKEL AND NICKEL CMPD/

Food processing methods apparently add to the nickel levels already present in foodstuffs via (1) leaching from nickel containing alloys in food processing equipment made from stainless steel, (2) the milling of flour, and (3) catalytic hydrogenation of fats and oils by use of nickel catalysts.

... no ... nickel bioaccumulation in voles fed sludge-fertilized soybeans containing 30 ppm nickel ...

Occupational exposures to nickel and its cmpd occur in (1) mining and comminution of nickel containing ores; (2) nickel refining and smelting; (3) nickel electroplating; (4) producing and using nickel catalysts; (5) fabricating parts and structures by welding, flame spraying, cutting, grinding, and polishing of nickel containing alloys; (6) manufacturing nickel cadmium batteries; (7) constructing nickel molds in glass bottle factories; (8) spraying nickel containing paints (eg, yellow nickel titanate pigment); and (9) recycling or disposal of nickel containing products. /Nickel and nickel cmpd/|IN NICKEL PLATING INDUSTRY, EXPOSURE TO NICKEL CONTAINING VAPORS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO BE ASSOC WITH ASTHMA. SYMPTOMS WERE ATTRIBUTED TO HYPERSENSITIVITY TO NICKEL OF NON-OCCUPATIONAL ORIGIN. PNEUMOCONIOSIS HAS BEEN REPORTED AMONG WORKERS EXPOSED TO NICKEL DUST ... EFFECTS ON NASAL MEMBRANE WERE NOTED IN WORKERS EXPOSED TO NICKEL AEROSOLS IN AN ELECTROLYSIS SHOP. /NICKEL VAPORS & DUST/

A group of chemical elements that are needed in minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiology of an organism. (From McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms, 4th ed) (See all compounds classified as Trace Elements.)

THIRTY-FIVE LUNG PAIRS OBTAINED DURING AUTOPSY FROM RANDOMLY SELECTED PATIENTS WERE INVESTIGATED BY PARTICLE INDUCED X-RAY EMISSION FOR OVERALL & REGIONAL ELEMENTAL CONTENT DETERMINATION. NICKEL DISTRIBUTION SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO AIR POLLUTION PECULIAR TO /BELGIUM/.

On the basis of nickel values in air, plasma and urine in four nickel platers during one working week ... /the investigators/, assuming a one-compartment model, computed the biological half-life for nickel in plasma to range from 20 to 34 hr and in urine from 17 to 39 hr.

Nickel is hepatotoxic in animals and has been shown to effect renal function in man. It binds to the anionic glycosaminoglycan sites of the glomerular basement membrane. Ionic blocking of these sites leads to the loss of selectivity in the filtration of albumin and may explain the proteinuria associated with nickel exposure.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: Oxides from metallic fires are a severe health hazard. Inhalation or contact with substance or decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)|Exposure Routes: inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact Symptoms: Sensitization dermatitis, allergic asthma, pneumonitis; [potential occupational carcinogen] Target Organs: Nasal cavities, lungs, skin (NIOSH, 2016)|Excerpt from ERG Guide 135 [Substances - Spontaneously Combustible]: Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Inhalation of decomposition products may cause severe injury or death. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Runoff from fire control may cause pollution. (ERG, 2016)|Carcinogens

Excerpt from ERG Guide 170 [Metals (Powders, Dusts, Shavings, Borings, Turnings, or Cuttings, etc.)]: Ensure that medical personnel are aware of the material(s) involved and take precautions to protect themselves. Move victim to fresh air. Call 911 or emergency medical service. Give artificial respiration if victim is not breathing. Administer oxygen if breathing is difficult. Remove and isolate contaminated clothing and shoes. In case of contact with substance, immediately flush skin or eyes with running water for at least 20 minutes. Keep victim calm and warm. (ERG, 2016)|Skin: If this chemical contacts the skin, immediately flush the contaminated skin with water. If this chemical penetrates the clothing, immediately remove the clothing and flush the skin with water. Get medical attention promptly. Breathing: If a person breathes large amounts of this chemical, move the exposed person to fresh air at once. If breathing has stopped, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Keep the affected person warm and at rest. Get medical attention as soon as possible. Swallow: If this chemical has been swallowed, get medical attention immediately. (NIOSH, 2016)|EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop. SKIN: IMMEDIATELY flood affected skin with water while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Gently wash all affected skin areas thoroughly with soap and water. If symptoms such as redness or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital for treatment. INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. IMMEDIATELY call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing. INGESTION: Some heavy metals are VERY TOXIC POISONS, especially if their salts are very soluble in water (e.g., lead, chromium, mercury, bismuth, osmium, and arsenic). IMMEDIATELY call a hospital or poison control center and locate activated charcoal, egg whites, or milk in case the medical advisor recommends administering one of them. Also locate Ipecac syrup or a glass of salt water in case the medical advisor recommends inducing vomiting. Usually, this is NOT RECOMMENDED outside of a physician's care. If advice from a physician is not readily available and the victim is conscious and not convulsing, give the victim a glass of activated charcoal slurry in water or, if this is not available, a glass of milk, or beaten egg whites and IMMEDIATELY transport victim to a hospital. If the victim is convulsing or unconscious, do not give anything by mouth, assure that the victim's airway is open and lay the victim on his/her side with the head lower than the body. DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim to a hospital. OTHER: Since this chemical is a known or suspected carcinogen you should contact a physician for advice regarding the possible long term health effects and potential recommendation for medical monitoring. Recommendations from the physician will depend upon the specific compound, its chemical, physical and toxicity properties, the exposure level, length of exposure, and the route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)|(See procedures)

Fresh air, rest.

Wear protective gloves when administering first aid. Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilation if necessary. Administer oxygen by nonrebreather mask at 10 t0 15 L/min. Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . /Nickel and related compounds/|Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway control in the patient who is unconscious. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias if necessary ... . Consider drug therapy for pulmonary edema ... . Start an IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of hypovolemia are present. For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid cautiously. Consider vasopressors for hypotension with a normal fluid volume. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Nickel and related compounds/

NICKEL METAL IS WELL KNOWN CAUSE OF CONTACT DERMATITIS IN SENSITIZED INDIVIDUALS. INSTANCES OF DERMATITIS IN REGION OF EYES HAS RESULTED FROM CONTACT WITH NICKEL SPECTACLE FRAMES, BUT EYE ITSELF HAS NOT BEEN INVOLVED.|HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN NASAL MUCOSA OF NICKEL WORKERS WERE STUDIED.|EPIDEMIOLOGICAL STUDIES CONCLUSIVELY DEMONSTRATE EXCESS RISK OF CANCER OF NASAL CAVITY & LUNG IN WORKERS IN NICKEL REFINERIES. IT IS LIKELY THAT NICKEL IN SOME FORM(S) IS CARCINOGENIC TO MAN.|In nickel refinery workers, an excess risk of nasal and lung cancers has been demonstrated.|For more Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (30 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Nickel

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of dust.|inhalation, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

sensitization dermatitis, allergic asthma, pneumonitis; [potential occupational carcinogen]

Cough. Shortness of breath.

Redness.

Redness.

Respiratory (From the Nose to the Lungs)|Nasal cavities, lungs, skin

FERROUS ALLOYS, 44%; OTHER ALLOYS, 32%; ELECTROPLATING, 20%; OTHER, 4% (1982)|Transportation, 25%, chemical industry, 15%; electrical equipment, 9%; construction, 9%; fabricated metal products, 9%; petroleum, 8%; household appliances, 7%; machinery, 7%; and other, 11% (1986)|Stainless steel producers accounted for 40% of primary nickel demand in the United States and more than 60% of primary demand in the world.|Approximately 44% of the primary nickel consumed went into stainless and alloy production, 38% into nonferrous alloys and super alloys, 14% into electroplating, and 4% into other uses.|For more Consumption Patterns (Complete) data for NICKEL, ELEMENTAL (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Grades: electrolytic; ingot; pellets; shot; sponge; powder; high purity strip; single crystals (wire 2x0.05-0.005 in)|Ferronickel has a nickel content of 24-48%. Also available are electrolytic cathode sheets and pellets produced by the decomposition of nickel carbonyl.|Pellets (99.99%), spherical powder, spray powder, nickel flour; high density grade for electronics; nickel flour for shielding coatings, HP pellets for vacuum and chemical work, spherical powder for spray work.|Commercial nickel metal is more than 99.5% pure and may be in the form of square plates, powder, briquets, pellets, ingots, disks, or shot.

All other basic inorganic chemical manufacturing|Nickel: ACTIVE|(1992) World mine production: the former U.S.S.R. (27%), Canada (21%), New Caledonia (10%), Indonesia (7%), Australia (7%), and Cuba (4%).|World mine production (1998): Russia, 265,000 metric tons; Canada, 225,000 metric tons; New Caledonia, 137,000 metric tons; Australia, 145,000 metric tons; Indonesia, 76,400 metric tons; Cuba, 66,000 metric tons.|The only nickel smelter in the United States closed April 1998 because of low nickel prices. ... The adjoining mine on Nickel Mountain has been idle since 1996.|About 66,000 tons of nickel was recovered from purchased scrap in 1998. This represented about 35% of reported consumption for the year.

Chemical Classes -> Inorganic substances|Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPs)|Health Hazards -> Carcinogens