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Nickel and cobalt release from metal alloys of tools – a current analysis in G ermany
Author(s) -
KickingerLörsch Anja,
Bruckner Thomas,
Mahler Vera
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
contact dermatitis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.524
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1600-0536
pISSN - 0105-1873
DOI - 10.1111/cod.12462
Subject(s) - nickel , cobalt , dimethylglyoxime , chemistry , materials science , metallurgy
Background The former ‘ EU N ickel D irective’ and, since 2009, the REACH R egulation (item 27 of A nnex XVII ) do not include all metallic objects. The nickel content of tools is not regulated by the REACH R egulation, even if they may come into in prolonged contact with the skin. Tools might be possible sources of nickel and cobalt sensitization, and may contribute to elicitation and maintenance of hand eczema. Objectives To perform a current analysis of the frequency of nickel or cobalt release from new handheld tools purchased in G ermany. Methods Six hundred unused handheld tools from the G erman market were investigated with the dimethylglyoxime test for nickel release and with disodium‐1‐nitroso‐2‐naphthol‐3,6‐disulfonate solution for cobalt release. Results Nickel release was detected in 195 of 600 (32.5%) items, and cobalt in only six (1%) of them. Positive nickel results were nearly twice as frequent in tools ‘made in G ermany’ than in tools without a mark of origin. Tools made in other E uropean countries did not release nickel. Cobalt release was only found in pliers and a saw. A correlation was found between price level and nickel release. Among toolkits, 34.2% were inhomogeneous concerning nickel release. Conclusion The G erman market currently provides a large number of handheld tools that release nickel, especially tools ‘made in G ermany’. For consumer protection, it seems appropriate to include handheld tools in the REACH R egulation on nickel.