NTP 15th Report on Carcinogens — Nickel Compounds and Metallic Nickel (2021)
Summary
The 15th Report on Carcinogens (December 2021) from the US National Toxicology Program classifies nickel compounds (as a class) as known to be human carcinogens and metallic nickel as reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. Nickel compounds were elevated to the “known” category in the 10th Report on Carcinogens (2002); the 15th Report maintains this classification. The carcinogenic effects are dominated by occupational inhalation exposure (nickel refinery workers, stainless steel and nickel-alloy production, electroplating), with primary cancers in the lung and nasal cavity. Dietary nickel exposure is not the route relevant to this carcinogenicity classification; the EFSA 2020 CONTAM opinion addresses dietary nickel through non-cancer endpoints (post-implantation loss, systemic contact dermatitis).
| Listing | Status |
|---|---|
| Nickel compounds (class) | Known to be human carcinogens (since 10th RoC, 2002; maintained in 15th RoC, 2021) |
| Metallic nickel | Reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen (since 1st RoC, 1980; reaffirmed) |
| Nickel alloys | Reviewed in 2000; not recommended for listing |