Lizbet Skare

Nickel release from tools on the Swedish market

Nickel allergy in women has been thoroughly studied: its prevalence, the most important sources of sensitization, and risk factors for elicitation of dermatitis. Preventive measures have also been introduced. Nickel allergy in men has not, however, been equally focused on. Based on clinical experience, some publications indicating that tools may be a risk factor for nickel allergy and hand eczema in men, and the fact that large occupational groups regularly use tools, we decided to carry out a study, of the prevalence on the market of tools that release nickel. 27% of 565 hand‐held tools with metal parts that come into contact with the skin were found to be dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test positive. Release of nickel and other metals into artificial sweat and composition of metals on the surface and in the base alloy were also studied. It is suggested that tool producers should consider nickel allergy and avoid nickel‐releasing materials, and that analytical methods, relevant for nickel release from tools, should be further developed.

Deposition of nickel, chromium, and cobalt on the skin in some occupations – assessment by acid wipe sampling

Background:  Nickel, chromium, and cobalt are important skin sensitizers. Better knowledge about skin exposure is needed for more efficient prevention. We have previously developed acid wipe sampling for assessment of skin exposure to metals.

Sensitivity and specificity of the nickel spot (dimethylglyoxime) test

Background: The accuracy of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) nickel spot test has been questioned because of false negative and positive test reactions. The EN 1811, a European standard reference method developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), is fine‐tuned to estimate nickel release around the limit value of the EU Nickel Directive from products intended to come into direct and prolonged skin contact. Because assessments according to EN 1811 are expensive to perform, time consuming, and may destruct the test item, it should be of great value to know the accuracy of the DMG screening test.

Release of nickel from coins and deposition onto skin from coin handling – comparing euro coins and SEK

Background:  Nickel exposure is the most common cause of contact allergy. The role of contact with nickel‐containing coins has been controversial.

Assessment of skin exposure to nickel, chromium and cobalt by acid wipe sampling and ICP‐MS

There is a great need to accurately assess skin exposure to contact allergens. We have developed a technique for assessment of skin exposure to nickel, chromium and cobalt using acid wipe sampling by cellulose wipes with 1% nitric acid. Chemical analysis was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). The recovery of nickel, chromium and cobalt from arms and palms was 93%. The analytical result is expressed in terms of mass per unit area (μg/cm2). The developed acid wipe sampling technique is suitable for determination of nickel, chromium and cobalt deposited on the skin. The technique may be used in workplace studies, in studies of individuals in the general population, in dermatitis patients, in identification of risk groups, as well as in developing preventive strategies and in follow‐up after intervention.

Cobalt-containing alloys and their ability to release cobalt and cause dermatitis

Background:  Cobalt, nickel, and chromium are important skin sensitizers. However, knowledge about cobalt exposure and causes of cobalt sensitization is limited.

Occupational hand eczema caused by nickel and evaluated by quantitative exposure assessment

Background. EU legislation has reduced the epidemic of nickel contact allergy affecting the consumer, and shifted the focus towards occupational exposure. The acid wipe sampling technique was developed to quantitatively determine skin exposure to metals.

Nickel deposited on the skin–visualization by DMG test

Background. Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy and an important risk factor for hand eczema. Visualization techniques may be powerful in showing exposures. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test might be used to establish skin exposure to nickel.

The cobalt spot test--further insights into its performance and use.

A spot test was recently developed for easy and rapid testing to detect whether cobalt is available on surfaces in contact with skin.

Cobalt skin dose resulting from short and repetitive contact with hard metals

Many daily contacts with metallic items are short and repetitive, and result in metal release; material, sweat, friction and wear may all be important.