Nickel Poisoning III. Procedures For Detection, Prevention, and Treatment of Nickel Carbonyl Exposure Including a Method For the Determination of Nickel in Biologic Materials

Abstract

Procedures for the detection, prevention and treatment of exposure to nickel carbonyl are described. The studies lead to the selection of a concentration of 0.04 ppm by volume of nickel carbonyl vapor in air as the maximum allowable concentration for the avoidance of acute affects in man. For the avoidance of chronic effects, a lower value is favored. Methods for the measurement of nickel carbonyl in air are described. Methods are given for the estimation of nickel in biological fluids. Use of these methods to detect and estimate the severity of exposure is illustrated. Abnormally high amounts of nickel appear in urine following exposures that are too small to cause acute effects. Administration of dimer-caprol is recommended for the treatment of acute poisoning from nickel carbonyl and a dosage schedule is proposed. Criteria for the use of dimercaprol are discussed. The minimum level of nickel carbonyl detectable by odor was found to be 1-3 ppm under the most favorable circumstances.