Nickel

• 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:

• May harm the developing infant and child.
• May harm the male reproductive system.
• May cause skin, eye, nose, and throat irritation.
• Can cause dermatitis in people who are allergic to nickel.
• Can damage the lungs.
• Can cause cancers of the lung, nasal cavity, and nasal sinuses.

• 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.