Factors of biological importance to nickel, its compounds, and alloys include solubility, chemical form (species), physical form (e.g., massive versus dispersible), particle size, surface area, concentration, and route and duration of exposure. Where possible, the relationship of these factors to the intake, absorption, distribution, and elimination of nickel is discussed in this section. Independent factors that can also affect the biokinetic activity of nickel species, such as disease states and physiological stresses, are briefly noted.
