Nickel compounds in the workplaces: Occupations and activities involving high-risk exposures in Italy.

BACKGROUND

Nickel (Ni) compounds have been classified as carcinogenic to humans. The aim of the study is to evaluate exposures to Ni at workplaces in Italy.

METHODS

Data on Ni compounds were collected from an occupational exposure registry. Statistical analysis was carried out for exposure-related variables. The number of workers potentially exposed was estimated for selected industrial sectors. Concurrent exposures with other occupational carcinogens were investigated using two-step cluster analysis.

RESULTS

Overall 10 083 measurements were analyzed during 1996-2016, having a geometric mean of 2.93 μg/m3 . Most exposures occurred in manufacture of metal products (50%) and among metal finishing machine operators (46%). A total of 56 046 workers potentially exposed to Ni was estimated. Concurrent exposures were frequently detected, mainly with chromium VI and cobalt compounds.

CONCLUSIONS

Systematic recording of occupational exposures provides a data source that allows recognition of high risk situations for workers' health and helps improve exposure assessment in epidemiologic studies.