Scottish Trace Element and Micronutrient Reference Laboratory

Scotland's specialised laboratory for trace elements and vitamins in health and disease

Nickel (Ni)

Trace Elements

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Nickel is a toxic trace element and exposure may occur in nickel refining, electroplating, nickel/cadmium battery manufacturing and glass-making. The main effects noted in humans are through inhalation and skin contact. Toxic effects are local rather than systemic such as asthma, and skin irritation and eczema in the 5-13% people with nickel sensitivity. Although it has been shown that longer term exposure to certain nickel refining operations results in an increased incidence of cancers of the lung, nasal sinus, and larynx, modern procedures for refining carry a much reduced risk. There is also concern about the exposure to nickel of welders welding stainless steel causing lung cancer, although it is difficult to separate the effects from those of chromium also present in stainless steel.

Daily intake of nickel is about 250 µg/day most of which is excreted in the faeces. It is not known if it is essential although deficiency in animals causes retarded growth, anaemia, and decreased enzyme activities. Nickel content of cigarettes is about 3 µg of which 10-20% is released in smoke and may be absorbed in lungs.

Measurement of urinary nickel concentrations on samples collected at the end of a working shift provides a practical and reliable index of occupational exposure to soluble nickel. Insoluble nickel compounds such as nickel sulphide and nickel oxide can build up in the lungs and be released slowly over time which may not be reflected in a change in urinary nickel levels.

Sample Requirements and Reference Values

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