PLASMA NICKEL AS A PRIMARY INDEX OF EXPOSURE IN NICKEL REFINING*

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Abstract
Plasma nickel has been used as a primary index to environmental exposure of nickel refinery workers as part of a preventive health programme. These blood levels have proved to be the most reliable indicators of (1) critical work areas, (2) response to improved environmental changes, and (3) results of protective measures such as use of masks. Whether the body burden of nickel as seen in plasma levels can be correlated with the eventual development of cancer remains to be determined. A programme in conjunction with the Norwegian Tumour Registry has been in operation for the past six years. Because of the long latent period, such a study is likely to require years of observation to be conclusive. There has been a 50% reduction, on average, of new cases (3 per yr) of respiratory tract cancer among employee in 1972–1976, compared with the previous 5 yr (6 per yr). Environmental protection of the workers is hampered by the limited knowledge of specific carcinogenic nickel compounds and the dose relationship. Research in this direction is greatly needed before sensible threshold limit values can be established.
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