Measurements of Ni were performed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry upon specimens of parotid saliva from 38 healthy adults. The mean concentration of Ni in saliva was 1.9 .+-. 1.0 .mu.g Ni/l (range = 0.8-4.5). There was no significant correlation between the concentrations of salivary Ni and protein. No significant differences were observed between the mean concentrations of Ni in saliva samples from men vs. women; health center employees vs. naval recruits; caries-free subjects vs. caries-prone subjects; or non-smokers vs. cigarette smokers. [Metal intoxication is discussed.].