Nickel
Nickel is a chemical element with the symbol Ni and atomic number 28. It is a silvery-white lustrous metal with a slight golden tinge. Nickel belongs to the transition metals and is hard, malleable, ductile, and has a moderately high melting point. Pure nickel is a bit harder than iron and is very corrosion resistant, making it a great material for coins, jewelry, and other decorative items.
In nature, nickel is found mostly in combination with other elements, such as in ores which also contain iron, cobalt, or copper. It has a wide range of applications in a host of industries including aerospace, electronics, chemicals, and automobiles.
History
The name nickel comes from the German word kupfernickel, which means “Old Nick’s copper”, coined in reference to the mythical alchemist, commonly known as “Old Nick”, who was believed to have the power to turn copper into gold.
Nickel was first discovered in 1751 when a Swedish mineralogist, Baron Axel Frederik Cronstedt, found a red-colored ore which was later named “nickel”. This ore was later identified to be a compound of nickel and iron.
Nickel was not widely used until the late 19th century when technologies, such as metallurgy and electrochemistry, advanced and made the metal more available.
Uses
Today, nickel is one of the most important materials used in industry. It is widely used in the production of stainless steel, and many alloys, such as the superalloys used to build components for aircraft engines, chemical production technology, and nuclear plants. It is also used to make coins, batteries, catalysts for the petrochemical and chemical industry, plated protective layers on other metals, electrical components, and magnets.
Nickel is also used for several medical applications such as cancer treatment and radiation shielding. Nickel–based alloys are widely used in prosthetics, orthopedic implants and surgical instruments. Nickel-containing enzymes are important in the human body, such as urease, which helps break down proteins, and is found in the stomach, gastrointestinal tract, and reproductive organs. Nickel compounds are used in dental products and to make a variety of vitamins and supplements.
Nickel is a valuable resource, and new uses for nickel are continually being discovered. Research is also being done on new alloys and compounds that are being tested for potential applications in fields such as renewable energy, automotive, and aerospace.
Health Effects
Nickel is an essential element for human health, but overexposure can lead to adverse health effects. Nickel can cause lung, nasal, throat, and skin irritation, resulting in rashes, coughing, and sometimes asthma. In rare cases, very high levels of nickel exposure can lead to cancer.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed the health risks from nickel and set acceptable levels of exposure. They have concluded that nickel is a carcinogen, which means it can cause cancer, but only at very high concentrations.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned the use of certain forms of nickel in consumer products because of their carcinogenic properties.
Conclusion
Nickel is an essential element for human health and industry. It is used in many alloys, such as stainless steel, and a variety of products, such as coins, batteries, and magnets. Nickel has a wide range of uses and is continually being explored for new potential applications.
While nickel is an essential element, overexposure can lead to adverse health effects. As such, WHO and FDA have set acceptable levels of exposure to ensure safety in both industrial and consumer products.
