Nickel and Its Compounds

Abstract

AbstractNickel (Ni) is a naturally occurring element in the transition metals of the periodic table. Nickel is naturally present in the Earth's crust, rocks, soil, plants, and water; nickel is essential to some microorganisms and plants. Thus, nickel is naturally found in a variety of crops, foodstuffs, and animals. Nickel and its compounds are used extensively in applications like batteries, stainless steel, and medical devices. Thus, natural and anthropogenic exposures to nickel and its compounds are ubiquitous. The human toxicities associated with excess exposure to nickel include nickel allergic contact dermatitis, respiratory cancer, noncancer respiratory toxicity, and reproductive effects. The bioavailable nickel +2 ion is reported to drive the toxicities associated with nickel. In this book chapter on nickel and its compounds, we explore the physical and chemical properties, production and use, occupational and nonoccupational exposures, toxicokinetics, toxicities, workplace exposure assessment and surveillance, and last but not least, environmental exposure assessment and surveillance of nickel and nickel compounds.