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Please be aware that this old REACH registration data factsheet is no longer maintained; it remains frozen as of 19th May 2023.

The new ECHA CHEM database has been released by ECHA, and it now contains all REACH registration data. There are more details on the transition of ECHA's published data to ECHA CHEM here.

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Toxicological information

Toxicological Summary

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Administrative data

Workers - Hazard via inhalation route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
0.05 mg/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
developmental toxicity / teratogenicity
Route of original study:
By inhalation
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
other: See Appendix C2 to CSR
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
0.05 mg/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
repeated dose toxicity
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
other:
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
18.9 mg/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
repeated dose toxicity
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
other:
Overall assessment factor (AF):
1.4
Dose descriptor starting point:
other: HEC-NOAEC

Workers - Hazard via dermal route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
0.012 mg/cm²
Most sensitive endpoint:
sensitisation (skin)
DNEL related information
Overall assessment factor (AF):
2
Dose descriptor:
other: NOAEL
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified

Workers - Hazard for the eyes

Local effects

Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified

Additional information - workers

Note 1. Exposures are always given in terms of mg nickel and NOT as mg substance.

Note 2. In cases where existing standards (OELs in case of workers, ambient air standards in case of general public) are used instead of DNEL/DMEL, the fields for Assessment factors and Dose descriptor were left blank. Further information on the air Standard derivation is contained in the documents referenced in the Table below.

Note 3. Acute systemic and local effects are relevant for short-term worker’s exposure (peak exposure of 15 minutes to a few hours). Long-term systemic and local effects are relevant to long-term worker’s exposure defined as 8 hours/day and 5 days per week for a working life.

Nickel Oxide CSR Table for Workers

Exposure pattern

Route

Descriptor

DNEL / DMELa

AF

Corrected Dose descriptor

Most sensitive endpoint

Justification

Acute - systemic effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible absorption

Acute - systemic effects

Inhalation

No DNEL (Derived No Effect Level) is requiredb

 

 

 

 

 See footnotes

Acute - local effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible Ni ion release, slightly irritating

Acute - local effects

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

18.9 mg Ni/m³

Inhalable fractionc

1.4d

HEC-NOAEC: 26.5 mg Ni/m3

Inhalable fractione

repeated dose toxicity

(lung inflammation)

 See footnotes

Long-term - systemic effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible absorption

Long-term - systemic effects

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

0.05 mg Ni/m³

Inhalable fractionf

 

 

developmental toxicity

 See footnotes

Long-term - local effects

Dermal

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

0.012 mg Ni/cm²

2g

NOAEL correctedh: 0.024 mg Ni/cm² from0.00044 mg Ni/cm² (sulphate)

sensitisation (skin)

 See footnotes

Long-term - local effects

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

0.05 mg Ni/m³

Inhalable fractionf

 

 

carcinogenicity and repeated toxicity (respiratory tract- inhalation)

 See footnotes

 

a.       The approaches used in the derivation of DNELs are described in a report prepared by VITO Consultancy (Belgium)(Appendix C1), and in Appendices C2 (long-term DNELs), C3 (acute DNELs), and C4 (Summary DNEL table).

b.       Nickel oxide is not classified for acute toxicity by inhalation, oral or dermal routes. Thus, no acute systemic inhalation DNEL is required.

c.       The derivation of the acute inhalation DNELs is described in detail in Appendix C3. Dosimetric modeling was used to calculate human equivalent air concentrations (HECs) for the points of departures based on effects associated with pulmonary retained (local effects) nickel doses in rats. This modeling accounts for differences in pulmonary deposition of different particle sizes between rats and humans, and also allowed the incorporation of inhalable workplace particle size ranges in the calculations.

d.       AF = 1.4. [AF interspecies difference (AS) = 1 local respiratory effects. AF interspecies difference in susceptibility = 1 (for respiratory toxicity effects after inhalation of particles of nickel or most metal-containing substances in the respirable range, rats seem to be more susceptible to toxicity effects than mice, primates or humans; AF intraspecies differences in susceptibility=3 for substances that do not undergo metabolism. An AF for exposure duration = 1/2.1 was applied to extrapolate from 16 day repeated exposures to a single exposure. Overall AF= 1 X 3 X 1/2.1 = 1.4]. See Appendix C3 section C3.6.2 for more detailed justification of AF selection.

e.       The HEC-NOAEC of 26.5 mg Ni/m3 (inhalable fraction) was derived from the NOAEC of 3.9 mg Ni/m3 (MMAD=2.9µm) by applying a dosimetry adjustment as described in Appendix C3.

f.        The justification for the use of an inhalable OEL of 0.05 mg Ni/m3 is provided in Appendix C2. This value is based on the SCOEL proposed inhalable OEL for nickel compounds of 0.01 mg Ni/m3 (June 2011) with further adjustments for differences in particle size distributions between animal experiments and workplace exposures and differences in sampling efficiency between 37-mm and inhalable samplers. The SCOEL value was based on epidemiological data on cancer effects. The registrant-derived inhalable value of 0.05 mg Ni/m3 is based on toxicity local effects observed in the lungs of rats after inhalation and carcinogenicity effects in the respiratory tract observed in human studies. Both registrant and SCOEL consider nickel compounds to be genotoxic carcinogens with a practical threshold. These values are also protective against possible reproductive effects. See Appendix C2 for detailed description of this DNEL derivation.

g.       AF =2. For the water insoluble compounds like Ni oxide, the uncertainty in the relative bioelution data compared to Ni sulphate relates to the repeatability (within labs) and reproducibility (between labs) of bioelution results and the relevance of the test conditions to the human exposure in the patch test and in the workplace. Based on good repeatability and reproducibility of bioelution data and relevancy of testing conditions to in vivo situation an assessment factor no greater than 2 is justified (see Appendix B3). The derivation of a DNEL for dermal sensitization by nickel oxide is a conservative approach since no classification appears to be warranted for this endpoint based on Ni release in sweat. The derived DNEL is protective of both acute and long-term local dermal effects.The derived DNEL is likely to overestimate risk compared to workplace 8 h exposure without occlusion.

h.       Corrected dose descriptor = 0.024 mg Ni/cm2 [0.44 µg Ni/cm2 x 54 = 0.024 mg Ni/cm2); where 0.44 µg Ni/cm2 is the DNEL for nickel sulphate based on the Fischeret al.(2005) study and 54 is the fold less release of Ni as percent of Ni content from nickel oxide-black than from Ni sulphate after 24 hours, 37C in sweat, KMHC, 2010 (Appendix B3). This correction was applied because the amount of Ni (II) ions released from one gram of Ni on the skin will be much lower than if the dust is made of nickel oxide than it would be if the dust is made of nickel sulphate (100% dissolved). For nickel oxide, 0.0016 (green) or 0.0184 (black) g of Ni (II) ion/g Ni dust (100% Ni oxide) were released in sweat while 1 g of Ni (II) ion was available per g of Ni applied in the patch test (100% Ni sulphate). The ratios are 1/0.0184 = 54 and 1/0.0016 = 625. The most conservative value of 54 observed for NiO-black was applied to both forms of NiO. See Appendix C2. This DNEL is protective of both acute and long-term local dermal effects.

 

Appendix C1= VITO report: Derivation of DNELs for 4 Ni substances 

Appendix C2= Background document in support of use of Long-term Inhalable DNELs for Nickel Metal and Nickel Compounds

Appendix C3 = Background Document in Support of Acute DNELs and Guidance Values for Nickel Metal and Nickel Compounds

Appendix C4 = Excel table of DNEL derivations –nickel oxide

 

 


 

General Population - Hazard via inhalation route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
60 ng/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
developmental toxicity / teratogenicity
Route of original study:
By inhalation
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
other:
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
60 ng/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
repeated dose toxicity
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
other:
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
1.8 mg/m³
Most sensitive endpoint:
repeated dose toxicity
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
ECHA REACH Guidance
Overall assessment factor (AF):
2.3
Dose descriptor starting point:
other: HEC-NOAEC

General Population - Hazard via dermal route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
DNEL related information

Local effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified

General Population - Hazard via oral route

Systemic effects

Long term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
0.011 mg/kg bw/day
Most sensitive endpoint:
developmental toxicity / teratogenicity
Route of original study:
Oral
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
ECHA REACH Guidance
Overall assessment factor (AF):
100
Modified dose descriptor starting point:
NOAEL
Value:
1.1 mg/kg bw/day
Acute/short term exposure
Hazard assessment conclusion:
DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)
Value:
0.37 mg/kg bw/day
Most sensitive endpoint:
acute toxicity
Route of original study:
Oral
DNEL related information
DNEL derivation method:
ECHA REACH Guidance
Overall assessment factor (AF):
100
Modified dose descriptor starting point:
NOAEL
Value:
36.6 mg/kg bw/day

General Population - Hazard for the eyes

Local effects

Hazard assessment conclusion:
no hazard identified

Additional information - General Population

Note 1. Exposures are always given in terms of mg nickel and NOT as mg substance.

Note 2. In cases where existing standards (OELs in case of workers, ambient air standards in case of general public) are used instead of DNEL/DMEL, the fields for Assessment factors and Dose descriptor were left blank. Further information on the air Standard derivation is contained in the documents referenced in the Table below.

Note 3. Acute systemic and local effects are relevant for short-term exposure (peak exposure of 15 minutes to a few hours). Long-term systemic and local effects are relevant to long-term exposure defined as 24 hours/day and 7 days per week for a life-time.

Nickel Oxide CSR Table for General Population

Exposure pattern

Route

Descriptor

DNEL / DMELa

AF

Corrected Dose descriptor

Most sensitive endpoint

Justification

Acute - systemic effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible exposure and absorption

 

Inhalation

No DNEL (Derived No Effect Level) is requiredb

 

 

 

 

 See footnotes

 

Oral

  

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

  

0.37 mg Ni ion/kg/day c

 

100d

 

  

NOAEL = 36.6 mg Ni/kg/day

[soluble Ni]

  

acute toxicity (mortality)

 

See footnotes

Acute - local effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, not irritant

 

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

1.8 mg Ni/m³e

2.3f

HEC-NOAEC: 4.2 mg Ni/m3 g

repeated dose toxicity

(lung inflammation)

 See footnotes

Long-term - systemic effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible exposure and absorption

 

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

0.00006mg Ni/m3h

 

Calculated NAEC 0.11 mg Ni/m3

reproductive developmental toxicity

 See footnotes

 

Oral

  

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

  

0.011 mg Ni ion /kg/dayi

  

 100j

  

NOAEL: 1.1 mg Ni/kg/day

[soluble Ni]

  

reproductive developmental toxicity

 

See footnotes

Long-term - local effects

Dermal

 

 

 

 

 

Not relevant, negligible exposure

 

Inhalation

DNEL (Derived No Effect Level)

0.00006mg Ni/m3h

 

Calculated NAEC 0.11 mg Ni/m3

repeated dose toxicity (lung inflammation)

Carcinogenicity

 See footnotes

a.       The approaches used in the derivation of DNELs are described in a report prepared by VITO Consultancy (Belgium)(Appendix C1), and in AppendicesC2 (long-term DNELs),C3 (acute DNELs), andC4 (Summary DNEL table).

b.       Nickel oxide is not classified for acute toxicity by inhalation, oral or dermal routes. Thus, no acute systemic inhalation DNEL is required.

c.This DNEL value applies to the Ni (II) ion that may be released from nickelcompoundsand becomes available in water or food. It is derived from acute toxicity data of soluble Ni and applied to any Ni ions released from Nicompounds. This valueisconsidered to be protective of the adult population but not necessary nickel-sensitive subpopulations.

d. AF= 100 [AF interspecies difference other =2.5; AF interspecies AS =4 (rat-human); AF intraspecies differences in susceptibility=10 for the general population according to ECHA Guidance Table R. 8-6 Default assessment factor;s AF to account for differences in exposure duration=1; Overall AF = 2.5 x 4 x 10 = 100.

e.       The derivation of the acute inhalation DNELs is described inAppendix C3. Dosimetric modeling was used to calculate human equivalent air concentrations (HECs) for the points of departures based on effects associated with pulmonary deposited (systemic effects) or retained (local effects) nickel doses in rats. This modeling accounts for differences in pulmonary deposition of different particle sizes between rats and humans. HECs were calculated using particle size of animal aerosol that reasonably correspond to the PM10aerosol fraction of ambient air.

f.       AF = 2.3 [AF interspecies difference (AS) = 1 local respiratory effects. AF interspecies difference in susceptibility = 1 (for respiratory toxicity effects after inhalation of particles of nickel or most metal-containing substances in the respirable range, rats seem to be more susceptible to toxicity effects than mice, primates or humans. AF intraspecies differences in susceptibility=5for substances that do not undergo metabolism. An AF for exposure duration= 1/2.1 was applied to extrapolate from 16 day repeated exposures to a single exposure.SeeAppendix C3section C3.6.2 for more detailed justification of AF. Overall AF= 1 X 5 X 1/2.1 = 2.3]. 

g.       The HEC-NOAEC of 4.2 mg Ni/m3(ambient air) was derived from the NOAEC of 3.9 mg Ni/m3(MMAD=2.9µm) by applying a dosimetry adjustment as described inAppendix C3.

h.        An ambient air PM10DNEL of 60 ng/m3was derived based on the dose descriptors reported by Oller et al., (2014) and the subsequent application of assessment factors described in Buekers et al. (2015) and described inAppendix C1andAppendix D5. The DNEL value is applied to ‘total nickel’ (including all chemical forms of nickel) because information on the speciation of emitted Ni substances is not always available. The value is applicable to typical mixtures of Ni prevailing in ambient air, at the regional and local scale. This DNEL protects from possible respiratory toxicity and reproductive effects, as well as carcinogenicity by considering nickel compounds to be indirect genotoxic carcinogens with a practical threshold similar to the approach taken by SCOEL (2011) when deriving OELs for nickel compounds (seeAppendix C1andAppendix D5).

I. This DNEL value was derived byWHO (World Health Organization, 2007. Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. © World Health Organization, Geneva)as the Tolerable Daily Intake for nickel. In a well conducted two-generation study on rats, a NOAEL of 1.1 mg of soluble nickel per kg of body weight per day was identified for all the end-points studied, including the variable of post-implantation/perinatal lethality (SLI, 2000). The application of an uncertainty factor of 100 (10 to account for interspecies variation and 10 to account for intraspecies variation) gives a TDI of 11 µg/kg of body weight.

J. AF= 100 [AF interspecies difference other =2.5; AF interspecies AS =4 (rat-human); AF intraspecies differences in susceptibility=10 for the general population according to ECHA Guidance Table R. 8-6 Default assessment factor;s AF to account for differences in exposure duration=1; Overall AF = 2.5 x 4 x 10 = 100.; the inclusion of a factor of 2-3 for severity of effects is not justified since an exposure level corresponding to 2-fold the NOAEL in the second generation study with nickel sulphate was considered by some experts as the NOAEL for the observed effects.

 

Appendix C1= Derivation of DNELs for 4 Reference Ni substances 

Appendix C2= Background document in support of use of Long-term Inhalable DNELs for Nickel Metal and Nickel Compounds

Appendix C3= Background Document in Support of Acute DNELs and Guidance Values for Nickel Metal and

          Nickel Compounds

Appendix C4= Excel table of DNEL derivations –nickel oxide

Appendix D5= Man Via the Environment Risk Assessment

 

Sensitive subpopulations.Sensitive subpopulations are not separately addressed.