Where risks occur

Nickel, in the form of various alloys and compounds, has been in widespread commercial use for over 100 years. Nickel compounds and metallic nickel have many industrial and commercial applications, including use in stainless steel and other nickel alloys, catalysts, batteries, pigments, and ceramics. Most workers exposed to nickel and nickel compounds in the European Union are in the manufacture of fabricated metal products and manufacture of machinery except electrical and manufacture of transport equipment. Occupational exposure is common for workers involved in smelting, welding, casting, spray-painting and grinding of nickel, nickel compounds and nickel containing materials.

More about the substance

Nickel is a silvery-white metallic element found in the earth’s crust. The substance occurs naturally in the environment at low levels.Nickel can be combined with other elements to form nickel compounds. Because of its unique properties, nickel has many industrial uses. Most nickel is used in metal alloys because it imparts useful properties, such as corrosion resistance, heat resistance, and hardness.

How the symptoms can affect you

Occupational exposure to nickel occurs mainly through inhalation of dust particles and fumes or through skin contact. Acute exposure to high levels of nickel by inhalation can cause severe damage to the lungs and kidneys. Prolonged exposure to nickel refinery dust leads to an increased risk of lung and nasal cancers among nickel refinery workers. Chronic dermal exposure to nickel can lead to dermatitis with complaints such as dry, irritated or itchy skin. Chronic inhalation of metallic nickel and water-insoluble nickel compounds can result in respiratory effects, including decreased lung function and bronchitis. Chronic inhalation of soluble nickel compounds can result in asthma.

The time between nickel exposure and cancer symptoms varies from 13 to 24 years.

What you can do

The most effective way to prevent exposure is to substitute with nickel-free or lower-nickel products. If nickel-containing products cannot be substituted, the exposure to nickel should be reduced through engineering controls. Continuously carry out correct exposure measurements so that it is known when action should be taken. Investigate whether workers report early symptoms. Make workers continuously aware of the effects of exposure. In addition, train workers on hazards, safe work practices and on effective hygiene measures. Supplement this with personal protective equipment where feasible controls are not sufficient to reduce exposures below the exposure limits. Personal protective equipment should only be used as a last resort, after the possible technical solutions have been presented. Because metallic nickel and some nickel compounds can cause skin sensitisation, skin contact should be prevented as much as possible. If elimination is not possible, control measures should be taken to minimise skin contact.