Nickel The most common harmful health effect of nickel in humans is an allergic reaction. Approximately 10-20% of the population is sensitive to nickel. People can become sensitive to nickel when jewelry or other things containing it are in direct contact with the skin for a long time. Once a person is sensitized to nickel, further contact with the metal may produce a reaction. People working in nickel refineries or nickel-processing plants have experienced chronic bronchitis and reduced lung function. These persons breathed amounts of nickel much higher than levels found normally in the environment.

Additional Sources of Nickel are: Food (chocolate, soybean, nuts, oatmeal), Air from coal burning. Additional Effects of Nickel on Humans are: Allergic reaction, Chronic bronchitis, lung and nasal sinus cancer.