Nickel is an essential trace element for human body. Adults consume about 600 micrograms a day, mainly from food. When people use stainless steel tableware containing nickel, it also constitutes life contact.
It is reported that nickel deficiency can weaken the activity of insulin, hinder the utilization of sugar and increase the content of fat and lipid in blood. Nickel can increase insulin secretion, thus lowering blood sugar.
Nickel absorbed by human body is usually soluble nickel salt, and it is reported that metal nickel powder is basically not absorbed. Excessive exposure to nickel and its compounds may affect health under certain conditions.
Inhalation of high concentration nickel powder in workers' respiratory tract may cause respiratory tract irritation, cough, shortness of breath and other symptoms. Workers engaged in nickel electrolysis and nickel electroplating may have allergic dermatitis.
It is reported that workers who mine and smelt nickel have increased the risk of lung cancer and nasopharyngeal cancer due to long-term exposure to nickel sulfide, nickel oxide and soluble nickel, but there is no evidence that exposure to metallic nickel is related to the risk of cancer. There is no evidence that nickel can cause kidney damage.