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The immediate effects of nickel carbonyl exposure are respiratory tract irritation and neurological effects. Delayed effects of nickel carbonyl exposure include pulmonary oedema, pneumonitis and in severe cases death.
Dermal contact with nickel or nickel compounds can lead to sensitisation and the development of contact dermatitis. Chronic inhalation of nickel or nickel compounds can cause rhinitis, sinusitis, anosmia, and in extreme cases perforation of the nasal septum. Nickel carbonyl is the most toxic nickel compound following acute inhalation exposure in humans. The effects of nickel carbonyl inhalation occur in two phases, immediate and delayed. The immediate effects include respiratory tract irritation and neurological effects such as dizziness and headache, following which there is often an asymptomatic period before the onset of the delayed pulmonary symptoms, including chest pain, cough, and dyspnoea.
In severe cases pulmonary oedema, pneumonitis, and death may occur. Patients who survive a severe exposure to nickel carbonyl may develop weakness and neurasthenic syndrome. Data from occupationally exposed groups indicate that inhalation of nickel compounds may produce rhinitis, sinusitis, and anosmia, and after a prolonged exposure, perforation of the nasal septum.
