ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a detailed discussion on the occurrence and production, uses, chemical and physical properties, exposure and exposure limits, toxicokinetics, and effects of nickel in humans. Nickel constitutes about 0.008" of the earth's crust, predominantly in igneous rocks. About half of all nickel is used in steels, mostly in the stainless steels. Airborne nickel seems to come primarily from combustion of coal and petroleum products. Contact with nickel-plated jewelry and other items is a frequent cause of contact dermatitis in the general public. The degree of absorption of ingested nickel generally depends on the solubility of the compound (typically 1 to 10" of the ingested dose). The rate of absorption of lung-deposited particles is also generally dependent on water solubility. The effects of nickel in humans include information on acute toxicity, chronic toxicity, biochemistry, specific organs and systems, teratogenicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity.
