A Retrospective Cohort Mortality Study in Jinchang, the Largest Nickel Production Enterprise in China

Nickel is an essential trace metal used in the occupational setting, resulting in both occupational and nonoccupational exposures to individuals at varying levels. Exposure to nickel has been associated with several toxicities and the International Agency for Research on Cancer has concluded that there is sufficient evidence in humans associating exposure to nickel compounds with risk of lung cancer and sinonasal cancer. This study confirmed a significant excess of mortality from diseases of the lung including silicosis, lung cancer, and cor pulmonale among workers involved in nickel mining or smelting in China.