CAS Number: 7440-02-0. A silver-white, hard, yet malleable
metallic element capable of a high polish and resistant to
corrosion that is used chiefly in alloys and as a catalyst.
Chemical symbol = Ni. Molecular weight = 58.71 g/mol.
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Nickel occurs naturally in the environment at low levels. Nickel
is an essential element in some animal species, and it has been
suggested it may be essential for human nutrition. Nickel
dermatitis, consisting of itching of the fingers, hands, and
forearms, is the most common effect in humans from chronic
(long-term) skin contact with nickel. Respiratory effects have
also been reported in humans from inhalation exposure to nickel.
Human and animal studies have reported an increased risk of lung
and nasal cancers from exposure to nickel refinery dusts and
nickel subsulfide. Animal studies of soluble nickel compounds
(i.e., nickel carbonyl) have reported lung tumors. EPA has
classified nickel refinery dust and nickel subsulfide as Group A,
human carcinogens, and nickel carbonyl as a Group B2, probable
human carcinogen.