Nickel

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Overview
NIOSH Chemical Resources
Related NIOSH Resources
Selected Publications
Related Resources
International Resources

Overview

CAS#: 7440-02-0

Nickel (Ni) is a hard, silvery-white metal that may cause irritation to the skin. Exposure can harm the lungs, stomach, and kidneys. Exposure to nickel may lead to cancer. Workers may be harmed from exposure to nickel. The level of exposure depends upon the dose, duration, and work being done.

Nickel is used in many industries. It’s used to make stainless steel and other metal alloys. Some examples of workers at risk of being exposed to nickel include the following:

Refinery workers in nickel processing plants
Jewelry and pawn shop workers who come in contact with nickle coins or jewelry
Factory workers in plants where nickel alloys are used
Workers who come in contact with tools and other nickel releasing surfaces

NIOSH recommends that employers use Hierarchy of Controls to prevent injuries. If you work in an industry that uses nickel, please read chemical labels and the accompanying Safety Data Sheets for hazard information. Visit NIOSH’s page on Managing Chemical Safety in the Workplace to learn more about controlling chemical workplace exposures.

The following resources provide information about occupational exposure to nickel. Useful search terms for nickel include “elemental nickel,” and ” nickel catalyst.”

NIOSH Chemical Resources

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards

The NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG) helps workers, employers, and occupational health professionals recognize and control workplace chemical hazards.

Manual of Analytical Methods

The NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM) is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

Health Hazard Evaluations

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHE) conducts onsite investigations of possible worker exposure to chemicals. Search the HHE database for more information on chemical topics.

Related NIOSH Resources

NIOSHTIC-2 search results for nickel—NIOSHTIC-2 is a searchable database of worker safety and health publications, documents, grant reports, and journal articles supported in whole or in part by NIOSH.
Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) Value Profile: Nickel—NIOSH reviews relevant scientific data and researches methods for developing IDLH values.
Elements No. 7300pdf icon—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, 4^th ed.
Elements No. 7301pdf icon—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, 4^th ed.
Elements No. 7303pdf icon—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, 4^th ed.
Elements No. 9102pdf icon—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, 4^th ed.
Carbonyl No. 6007pdf icon—Sampling and measurement from NMAM, 4^th ed.
NIOSH Pocket Guide: Nickel Carbonyl—CAS No. 13463-39-3.
NIOSH Worker Health Study Summaries– NIOSH conducts research to prevent illnesses and injuries in the workplace. The NIOSH Worker Notification Program notifies workers and other stakeholders about the findings of these research studies.

Selected Publications

Specific Medical Tests or Evaluations Published in the Literature for OSHA-Regulated Substances: Nickel—Database listing the specific medical tests published in the literature for OSHA regulated substances.
Specific Medical Tests or Evaluations Published in the Literature for OSHA-Regulated Substances: Nickel carbonyl—Database listing the specific medical tests published in the literature for OSHA regulated substances.

Related Resources

International Resources

Page last reviewed: November 2, 2018

Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health