Nickel

Nickel is a metal found in soil, water, air, and some foods. It occurs naturally and from human activity.

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Fact Sheet

Smoke from the burning of tobacco, cannabis, wood, fuel oils, and wildfires.
Some drinking water, most commonly as a result of leaching from metal pipes and fittings.
Dust and fumes from metal production and processing (nickel smelters, refineries, welding and electroplating).
Stainless steel, and in some jewelry (including some costume jewelry).
Some batteries, including nickel-cadmium (NiCd or NiCad) rechargeable batteries, lithium-ion batteries, and batteries used in portable electronic equipment and electric vehicles.
Some paints and coatings, which may be used on glassware, pottery, and ceramics.
Some foods and drinks, including nuts, sunflower seeds, legumes (beans, lentils, peas), cereals, chocolate products, and teas.

Nickel:

Do not smoke or allow others to smoke in your home, car, or around your child.
Properly handle and recycle batteries (see links to recycling information below), especially if they are damaged or leaking. Do not let children handle batteries.
Avoid costume jewelry if you are allergic to nickel.
If possible, use a high-efficiency filter in your home’s central heating and air system.
Consider buying a portable air cleaner (or “air purifier”) that can remove heavy metals, including nickel, from the air in your home. See links to additional resources below.
If you do any welding or metal working, or work with nickel in other ways:
- Be sure that your work area is well ventilated, and use proper protective equipment.
- Follow other safe work practices, including washing hands frequently, keeping work dust out of your home, and washing work clothes separately.
- Keep children away from welding fumes and other metal vapors and dusts.
Because nickel can collect in dust:
- Wash your and your child’s hands often, especially before preparing or eating food.
- Clean your floors regularly, using a wet mop or high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum if possible, and use a damp cloth to dust.
Include plenty of variety in your and your child’s diet. Eat a well-balanced diet with enough iron, which can help reduce the amount of nickel that your body absorbs.