Unep

Nickel: Environmental Health Criteria Series No 108 Unep

Evaluates close to 900 studies in an effort to determine the role of various nickel compounds as environmental hazards and causes of human diseases, including cancer. A special effort is made to determine the specific exposure levels for nickel and nickel compounds that pose a threat to the environment, the general public, and workers exposed to nickel-containing dusts and fumes. A section on sources of exposure evaluates both natural and man-made releases into the environment, offering especially detailed information on emissions associated with the nickel industry, the combustion of fossil fuels, and the incineration of sewage sludge and waste. Exposure of the general population is noted to occur via inhaled air, ingestion of food and drinking-water, and dermal contact, particularly with jewellery and coins.