English Abstract This report contains general information on Nickel and
nickel compounds concerning the existing standards, emissions, exposure
levels and effect levels. The document is to be considered as a start for
the national discussion during an exploratory meeting on integrated criteria
documents. Pure nickel is not produced in the Netherlands, but nickel and
nickel compounds are widely used. The most important sources of emissions
to air are refineries and usage of diesel oil, whereas industry and
agriculture contribute significantly to emissions to water and soil,
respectively. By far the most important nickel-containing waste stream is
domestic waste. In general the emissions are expected to decrease.
Concentration levels in surface water, sediment, soil, groundwater, outdoor
air and food are available. In most cases the actual standards and
guidelines are not exceeded; higher environmental concentrations are found
in some local areas. Nickel is an essential dietary trace element, but
inhalatory exposure to nickel compounds can result in respiratory tract
cancer. With respect to risks to the general population in the Netherlands,
the current nickel concentrations in ambient air and in the diet appear to
be within acceptable limits. Calculated maximum permissible concentrations
for aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are below natural occuring background
levels. Locally these levels are exceeded, but in most of these cases the
risks involved may be qualified as small.