Specifications: Nickel Nickel is a metallic chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28.
Nickel is a naturally occurring element. Pure nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal used to make stainless steel and other metal alloys. Skin effects are the most common effects in people who are sensitive to nickel. Workers who breathed very large amounts of nickel compounds developed chronic bronchitis and lung and nasal sinus cancers. Nickel has been found in at least 882 of the 1,662 National Priority List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Nickel is a very abundant natural element. Pure nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal. Nickel can be combined with other metals, such as iron, copper, chromium, and zinc, to form alloys. These alloys are used to make coins, jewelry, and items such as valves and heat exchangers. Most nickel is used to make stainless steel.
Nickel can combine with other elements such as chlorine, sulfur, and oxygen to form nickel compounds. Many nickel compounds dissolve fairly easy in water and have a green color. Nickel compounds are used for nickel plating, to color ceramics, to make some batteries, and as substances known as catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions.
Nickel is found in all soil and is emitted from volcanoes. Nickel is also found in meteorites and on the ocean floor. Nickel and its compounds have no characteristic odor or taste.
* By eating food containing nickel, which is the major source of exposure for most people.
* By skin contact with soil, bath or shower water, or metals containing nickel, as well as by handling coins or touching jewelry containing nickel.
* By drinking water that contains small amounts of nickel.
* By breathing air or smoking tobacco containing nickel.
* Higher exposure may occur if you work in industries that process or use nickel.
