DNA damage induced by Ni(II) plus H2O2 was investigated by a DNA sequencing technique using 32P-5'-end-labeled DNA fragments obtained from human c-Ha-ras-1 protooncogene. Ni(II) induced strong DNA cleavage in the presence of H2O2 even without piperidine treatment. Piperidine-labile sites were induced frequently at cytosine, thymine and guanine residues, and rarely at adenine residue. Diethylene-triamine N,N,N',N",N"-pentaacetic acid inhibited the DNA damage. In experiments with singlet oxygen scavengers, sodium azide and dGMP inhibited the DNA damage completely, whereas neither 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane nor dimethylfuran inhibited it. Among hydroxyl radical scavengers, dimethylsulfoxide and sodium formate inhibited the DNA damage considerably, whereas ethanol and mannitol did not. Methionine and methional inhibited the DNA damage completely. The results suggest that Ni(II) ion binds to DNA and subsequently reacts with H2O2 to form active species, which cause DNA damage. The possibility of Ni(II) plus H2O2-mediated DNA damage in vivo is discussed relative to the molecular mechanism of nickel carcinogenesis.