Nickel; a metal with threats to human health, focusing on its intoxication mechanisms

Background and Objective Ni is an important metal found in the human environment, including air, water, soil, food, kitchenware, and jewelry. It is widely used in electrical engineering, medicine, and industry. Ni compounds, whether insoluble (such as oxides and sulfides) or soluble (such as sulfates, chlorides, and acetates), pose serious risks to the environment, ecosystems, and human health. Such contamination can lead to harmful effects, especially on the respiratory, digestive, and skin systems. This study aims to emphasize the importance of early detection and diagnosis of Ni poisoning, as well as urgent measures and treatments, especially the use of chelators, in addition to the use of nanoparticles to remove nickel compounds from the environment. Methods and Result This review article draws on sources from PubMed, Scopus, various citations, and the Toxicologic Emergencies reference book spanning 1996–2025. The findings indicate that high-level exposure to nickel compounds leads to the formation of reactive oxygen species, suppression of DNA repair mechanisms, and disruption of signal transduction pathways. These effects result in genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, immunotoxicity, and poisoning across different species. Conclusion A thorough history and examination are essential for evaluating blood and urine nickel levels, as they directly relate to the severity of poisoning. Preventive measures involve avoiding nickel compounds and facilitating removal from the body. Allergic contact dermatitis is treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and calcineurin inhibitors like tacrolimus. For nickel poisoning treatment, chelators such as diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DDC) and disulfiram are prescribed based on urine concentration. Recently, nanoparticles have been used to remove nickel compounds from the environment.