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.