Nickel Oxide

Nickel refining and alloy, battery, and ceramic production; forms when nickel metal is heated (e.g., welding stainless steel); released from smelters and oil/coal combustion [1][3].

Inhaling workplace dust/fumes; skin or eye contact with powders; breathing air or dust near industrial sites; smokers may take in more nickel [1][3].

Cancer (lung, nasal) from inhalation; asthma-like symptoms, chronic bronchitis, decreased lung function; eye/skin irritation and allergic contact dermatitis [1][2][4].

Workers in nickel refining, welding/cutting of nickel alloys, battery/ceramic/catalyst manufacturing; people with asthma or nickel allergy; residents near smelters/refineries/incinerators [1][3][4].

Use local exhaust and enclosures; wear NIOSH-approved respirators as needed; wash up and change before heading home; use fume extraction when welding; at home near sources, keep dust down (wet-wipe), leave shoes at the door, and check facility emissions reports [1][4].