Nickel

Nickel is a naturally occurring element that can be found in slate, sandstone, clay minerals, pentlandite and basalt. The element can accumulate in sediment and becomes part of various biological cycles. Nickel emissions may also stem from power plants, metal industries and waste incinerators.

The human body contains about 10 mg of nickel. Digesting nickel only becomes  a concern at high levels of concentration, which tends to cause vomiting and quick removal from the system.

Exposure to nickel in water upon the skin can cause dermatitis. Allergic reactions to nickel are more common in women than in men.

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