The authors reply to Young.

We thank Dr. Young for his comments on our paper. He is correct that the MSDS for the commercial Ni plating solution (Product Code #130859, Trade Name: Watts Nickel Pure, Chemical Names: Nickel Sulfate, Nickel Chloride) states that the product is regulated as toxic and contains ingredients that are known to cause cancer. It does identify the solution as a suspected cancer agent via inhalation (“all soluble nickel compounds have been classified as A1 carcinogens by the ACGIH”), but then only recommends “general exhaust” as the type of ventilation to use. In a major spill, a respirator is recommended.

In addition to the Ni solution, the other forms of Ni present are solid Ni wire and nickel nanowires. The MSDS for solid Ni states that there is limited evidence of a carcinogenic effect, although there may be sensitization by skin contact. It is recommended that the usual precautionary measures for handling chemicals should be followed. The MSDS recommends prevention of dust formation due to the fact that inhalation of metal particles (including nickel) is likely carcinogenic. Due to this fact and the absence of studies on the hazards of nickel nanowires due to inhalation, we have cautioned that the nanowires be kept and handled in solution throughout the laboratory.

We believe that there is sufficiently strong language in our paper cautioning the reader to minimize exposure and use appropriate safety equipment. The section on hazards in the main body of the paper and the instructor notes as well as the section on safety precautions in the student procedure are aligned with current practice in articles published by the Journal of Chemical Education. Of the recent J. Chem. Educ. articles involving nickel, one article did not mention any hazards arising from nickel solutions (1), one mentioned nickel’s irritating properties but not its carcinogenicity or mutagenicity (2), and one primarily mentioned the allergic reactions but did mention the carcinogenicity (3).

Literature Cited

1. Sogo, S. G. J. Chem. Educ. 2004, 81, 530–531.
2. Alonso, F.; Yus, M. J. Chem. Educ. 2001, 78, 1517–1518.
3. Cesteros, Y.; Salagre, P.; Medina, F.; Sueiras, J. E. J. Chem. Educ. 2002, 79, 489–491.