Environment, Health & Safety
Nickel materials contribute in many ways to the health of people and the environment. The metal itself has been shown to be an essential element for plants, some animals and perhaps for humans. As with all materials, there are environmental impacts arising from the mining and processing of nickel. Largely due to their heat- and corrosion- resistance, stainless steels and nickel alloys are used in processes that reduce toxic emissions, allow more efficient use of energy and last a long time. An example of reduced toxic emissions is seen when such alloys are used in flue gas desulfurizaton scrubbers for coal fired power plants. Also, for example, these alloys allow hotter combustion and turbine operating temperatures thus contributing to increased energy efficiency. And because, the alloys permit long service lives, they promote sustainability by extending the times before replacement components are needed. When collected at the end of a useful service life, stainless steel and nickel alloys in the components can be fully recycled such that their value to society is ongoing. Therefore, the initial environmental costs associated with mining and processing are offset by the environmental advantages nickel brings to products. And, because such products are long lasting and can be recycled, the stock of nickel in society is maintained for present and future generations.
Occupational Health and Safety
Despite the positive benefits its products can have for human health, the environment and society, nickel can
have toxic effects in certain circumstances and at certain dosages. Most of the practical risks associated
with nickel hazards are seen in certain complex processes used in nickel production and refining. The routes
of exposure of potential concern are:
Ingestion: Nickel can be toxic at high levels although the human body is generally able to
regulate the level of nickel through normal excretory processes.
Inhalation: In occupational situations, the inhalation of high levels of certain forms of
nickel in dusts are thought to have contributed to impaired lung function, including cancer.
Skin contact: Nickel allergic contact dermatitis is a preventable condition which is has
been often observed when some nickel-containing products are used in prolonged and close contact with the
skin. It is not usually associated with nickel stainless steels.
The risks are well known and are managed and controlled by specific workplace regulation.
Consumer Health and Safety
As a practical matter, the ingestion and inhalation routes are of little potential concern for consumers using nickel containing products. However, nickel allergic contact dermatitis remains a possibility. To repeat,
Skin contact: Nickel allergic contact dermatitis is a preventable condition which is has
been often observed when some nickel-containing products are used in prolonged and close contact with the
skin. It is not usually associated with nickel stainless steels.
Does nickel in auto parts pose a risk of dermatitis in automobile
users?
For more information on potential human health and ecotoxicity effects (mainly as a result of occupational
exposure), go to the following links:
Health Guide: Safe Use of Nickel in the Workplace
Carcinogenicity
Ecotoxicity
Nickel Allergic Contact Dermatitis
For more information on nickel and the environment, go to:
Nickel Institute Environment
