1. Spot the Symptoms
Early symptoms of nickel poisoning usually come from inhaling nickel or nickel-compound fumes. They include nausea, vomiting, headaches and sleeplessness. The symptoms get worse later on--from 12 to 24 hours after exposure--and include a speeding heart, difficulty breathing, chest pains and extreme fatigue. Don't wait for these symptoms to appear if you think you have nickel poisoning. See a doctor immediately.
2. Evacuate Immediately
In and of itself, nickel is rarely poisonous, but certain nickel compounds are extremely dangerous. The most common is nickel carbonyl, which you can find in refineries, nickel mines and plating factories. If you've been exposed to poisonous amounts of nickel, get out of the area immediately, remove any contaminated clothes, and stay away until the symptoms have stopped and you have fully recovered from the poisoning.
3. Get Your O2 Fix
The weakness and chest pains caused by nickel poisoning can lead to difficulties breathing. If you have access to an oxygen tank, then use it. Otherwise, make sure you have plenty of access to clean air. The hospital may put you on oxygen or let you sleep in an oxygen tent if they think you need it.
4. Administer Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy is used to render the nickel in your body less toxic and let it pass out of you safety. The doctor gives you drugs which will bond with the nickel, reduce its toxic levels and move it out of the body through your urine or feces. The doctor will likely combine such drugs with antibiotics to ensure that your body keeps its strength up.
5. Rest Up
Recovery from nickel poisoning takes a long time, though the damage is rarely permanent if you catch it early. Physical exercise can delay recovery, however, and cause other complications as well. Get lots of rest after you've suffered from nickel poisoning and try not to exert yourself for any reason.
