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March 2001 Ministry of the Environment programs and initiatives Nickel in the environment What is nickel? affected adversely by nickel at the typical Nickel is a naturally occurring element levels encountered. In fact, studies have that exists mainly in the form of shown that small amounts of nickel are sulphide ores found underground, and in essential to maintain proper health in animals silicate minerals, found on the surface. In and are probably important in human nutri- the environment, nickel is found primarily tion as well. combined with oxygen (oxides) or sulphur However, some individuals are particularly (sulfides). Canada is rich in sulfide ores sensitive to nickel; the scientific literature containing nickel and is consequently the suggests that about 2 per cent of men and second largest producer of nickel in the about 10 per cent of women and children world. have such a sensitivity. A smaller fraction of The earth’s crust is estimated to contain sensitive individuals may develop a skin rash, an average of 0.009 per cent nickel distrib- known as nickel dermatitis, at the site of uted in sulfide, arsenide, antimonide, oxide contact with an object (usually jewelry) and silicate ores. Nickel is also dispersed in containing nickel. Some individuals will particulate dust in the atmosphere as a result develop a rash known as hand eczema, of both human and natural activity including although the site of direct contact may not volcanoes, forest fires and meteorites that necessarily have been the hands. have burned up in the upper atmosphere. How is one exposed to nickel? Pure nickel is a hard, silvery-white metal The exposure to nickel for the general public that is widely used to make strong, durable takes place via inhalation of dust, ingestion metal alloys. It is found in many consumer of food and water, and by contact with products such as stainless steel pots and objects containing nickel such as money and pans, coins, and rechargeable batteries. jewelry. Most people are exposed to nickel How much nickel is there in by ingestion of food and water. All foods our soil? grown in Canada and almost all water sup- Nickel is a natural component of the soil. plies in Canada will contain small quantities In Ontario, the background concentration of nickel. Foods such as chocolate, soy of nickel is up to 43 parts per millon of soil. beans, nuts, and oatmeal contain naturally In some areas of Canada, much higher natural higher levels of nickel. The amount of nickel levels of nickel in the soil may occur. absorbed from ingested food and water is between 1 and 10 per cent depending on Is nickel harmful? the diet and the solubility of the nickel com- The effects of exposure to any substance pound. Studies show that up to 35 per cent depend on the type of exposure, concentra- of inhaled nickel is absorbed by the body tion of the substance, and the length of time depending on the solubility of the nickel of exposure. Additional factors that must compound. be considered are age, gender, diet, family It should be noted that only refined nickel traits, lifestyle, and health status. In the and some solutions of nickel at a high general population, most people are not concentration can cause an adverse reaction Ministry of the Environment 1 upon skin contact. Contact with soils better quality furnace filters, and changing containing nickel will not normally cause or cleaning furnace filters more frequently. an adverse skin reaction. Generally, water- • Brushing pets often and outside if possible, soluble compounds (nickel nitrate, nickel to reduce dust. chloride) will be more readily absorbed while • Thoroughly cleaning garden vegetables water-insoluble compounds (nickel oxide, and peeling the outer skin from root crops. nickel subsulphide) are not absorbed to an How can I get more appreciable extent. Most health studies information? pertaining to the effects of nickel, other than dermatitis, are based on exposure If you suspect your soil is contaminated in the workplace. with nickel or other metals, contact your No matter how one is exposed to nickel, local Ministry of the Environment office almost all of the absorbed nickel will be for information specific to your area. The excreted in urine. However, it does take the number is listed in the blue pages of your body a longer period of time to remove nick- telephone directory. el deposited in the lungs in comparison to Contact you local health unit or your ingested nickel. medical doctor if you are concerned about being exposed to nickel or have questions Can nickel exposure occur about health effects. through backyard vegetables? Sources Increased exposure to nickel by eating backyard vegetables is not likely. This is because Toxicological Profile for Nickel (1997) U.S. garden soils are typically deeply cultivated Department of Health and Human Services, through the addition of cleaner soil as well Public Health Service. Agency for Toxic as compost, manure, peat moss and other Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). soil conditioners. This then decreases the Nickel and its compounds (1994) natural acidity of the soil leading to a Priority substances list assessment report. decrease of heavy metals uptake. The addi- Canadian Environmental Protection Act. tion of fertilizers will also reduce plant Government of Canada. absorption of heavy metals. Guideline for Use at Contaminated Sites in Ontario, revised (1997). Ontario Ministry How can I reduce my exposure of the Environment. Queens Park, Toronto, to nickel? Ontario. Although no special measures are needed to reduce exposure, one can follow simple steps to reduce exposure to nickel by: • Washing children’s hands and faces before they eat if they have been outdoors. • Covering contaminated soil with clean soil or sod, paving stone or a deck. • Cleaning your home regularly with a damp mop/cloth. • Using removable rugs at entry points to the home, and cleaning them outside to reduce dust getting into the house. • Cleaning forced air ducts regularly, using Ministry of the Environment © Queen’s Printer for Ontario, 2001 Printed on recycled paper PIBS: 4017e 03/01 2