What Are the Symptoms of Nickel Poisoning?

Nickel poisoning is mainly caused by inhalation of nickel and its salts, causing respiratory irritation and skin damage. In the industry, nickel is used to make various nickel alloys, utensils, and materials. In addition to workers who have been in contact with nickel for a long time, they have an increased risk of cancer in addition to the chance of poisoning.

Basic Information

English name

nickel poisoning

Visiting department

Emergency Department

Multiple groups

People doing related work

Common locations

Respiratory system, skin

Common causes

Inhale dust of nickel and its salts, and long-term exposure to nickel

Common symptoms

Headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, dry throat, chest tightness, chest pain, etc., cough, sputum, rapid breathing, fever, chills, etc.

Clinical manifestations of nickel poisoning

Mild poisoning

5 to 30 minutes after inhalation of high concentrations of nickel carbonyl, symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, blurred vision, nausea, dry throat, chest tightness, and chest pain may occur. Physical examination revealed conjunctival and pharyngeal congestion, but auscultation of the lungs was normal .

2. Moderate poisoning

After the above symptoms were temporarily relieved, they were exacerbated after 8 to 72 hours, and there were cough, sputum, fast breathing, moderate fever, chills, lethargy, and blurred consciousness. On auscultation of the lungs, rough, dry rales can be heard.

3. Severe poisoning

There are manifestations of chemical pneumonia and pulmonary edema such as dyspnea, cyanosis, bloody foamy sputum and wet snoring of both lungs, and high fever, convulsions, coma and heart and liver damage.

Nickel poisoning test

1. Urinary nickel was significantly increased.

2. Increased white blood cell count.

3. Serum ALT and bilirubin increased in a few severe cases.

4. Chest X-ray examination of patients with moderate and severe poisoning is consistent with changes in chemical peribronchitis, pneumonia, or pulmonary edema.

5. Arrhythmias and myocardial damage can be seen on the electrocardiogram of severely poisoned persons.

Diagnosis of nickel poisoning

According to the occupational history of large amount of nickel carbonyl exposure in the short term, clinical manifestations of respiratory damage and chest x-ray manifestations, combined with blood gas analysis, refer to on-site labor hygiene surveys, comprehensive analysis, and exclude similar diseases caused by other causes before diagnosis .

Nickel poisoning treatment

Treatment principle

Immediately leave the poisoning site and remove contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated skin and hair, rest in bed, and keep quiet. Observe closely and give symptomatic treatment. Correct hypoxia by inhaling oxygen and keeping the airway open.

2. First aid treatment

(1) Sufficient short-range glucocorticoids are administered early to prevent pulmonary edema and myocardial damage. When pulmonary edema occurs, the antifoaming agent dimethyl silicone oil can be used for nebulizing inhalation and diuretic dehydrating agents.

(2) Nickel drive treatment. Those with severe poisoning can be intravenously injected with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, or they can be taken orally, and they can also take the same amount of sodium bicarbonate at the same time. Depending on the condition, the number of days can be taken. Generally, the medication can be taken continuously for 3-7 days. Nebulization can also be used.

(3) other symptomatic treatments such as cough, expectoration, prevention and treatment of complications, maintenance of electrolyte balance.

(4) Antibiotics can be used to prevent infection in patients with severe poisoning.

Prognosis of nickel poisoning

Patients with mild to moderate poisoning can return to their original work after being cured. Patients with severe poisoning who still have obvious symptoms after treatment should arrange recuperation as appropriate and remove nickel carbonyl operations.

Prevention of nickel poisoning

The production workshop strictly enforces the rules and regulations and mechanical operation regulations, and strengthens ventilation and personal protection.