dimethylglyoxime and Dermatitis--Allergic-Contact

Nickel is a ubiquitous element used in many everyday items. In recent decades nickel has become a leading allergen, which has become a public health problem.. To evaluate frequently used nickel products in Brazil. We investigated if these objects release nickel that is capable of inducing sensitization or cause clinical manifestations in terms of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD).. Dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot tests assessed nickel release from several common utensils used in everyday life in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.. We tested 46 coins (two denominations) and 90 common utensils. Approximately 91.1% produced nickel-positive results using the DMG spot test.. The DMG limit of detection was 1.67 ppm of nickel. We observed that many objects in our test series released nickel above the DMG test limit. This observation suggests that nickel-sensitive individuals may be exposed to nickel, representing a public health issue.

Topics: Brazil; Consumer Product Safety; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Household Articles; Humans; Nickel; Numismatics; Oximes

Nickel is one of the most common contact allergens. Despite EU regulations concerning the maximum permissible release of nickel from metal objects, nickel release at inappropriately high levels from metal objects has been detected in various studies.. To screen current nickel release from metal tools in the German hairdressing trade.. Two hundred and twenty-nine metal tools from the German hairdressing trade were tested with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test for nickel release. Additionally, an employee survey was conducted to collect data about the metal tools.. The DMG test showed that 21 of 229 metal tools (9.2%) released nickel. Nickel release was detected in 8 of 45 hair clips (17.8%), 2 of 27 tail combs (7.4%), and 11 of 17 tweezers (64.7%).. It must be assumed that hairdressers in Germany have prolonged skin contact with nickel-releasing metal tools. This should prompt further testing for nickel release from metal tools, and the development of regulations to eliminate nickel-releasing metal tools in the (German) hairdressing trade.

Topics: Beauty Culture; Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Germany; Humans; Nickel; Oximes

Background There has been no systematic study assessing nickel release from surgical instruments and equipment used within the operating suite. This equipment represents important potential sources of exposure for nickel-sensitive patients and hospital staff.. To investigate nickel release from commonly used surgical instruments and operating room equipment.. Using the dimethylglyoxime nickel spot test, a variety of surgical instruments and operating room equipment were tested for nickel release at our institution.. Of the 128 surgical instruments tested, only 1 was positive for nickel release. Of the 43 operating room items tested, 19 were positive for nickel release, 7 of which have the potential for direct contact with patients and/or hospital staff.. Hospital systems should be aware of surgical instruments and operating room equipment as potential sources of nickel exposure.

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Nickel; Occupational Exposure; Operating Rooms; Oximes; Patient Safety; Stainless Steel; Surgical Instruments

In April 2014, the European Chemicals Agency defined the concept of 'prolonged contact with skin' as used in the EU nickel restriction.. To establish a baseline of nickel-releasing items on the Swedish market conforming with the EU nickel restriction according to the definition of 'prolonged contact' with the skin.. We performed a limited market survey in Stockholm, Sweden. Items with metallic parts that come into contact with the skin, except those explicitly mentioned in the legal text, were chosen. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test was used to evaluate nickel release.. One hundred and forty-one items belonging to one of three categories - accessories, utensils for needlework, painting and writing (called utensils), and electronic devices - were tested in the study. Forty-four percent of all items were DMG test-positive (releasing nickel), and 9% gave a doubtful DMG test result.. The large proportion of nickel-releasing items in the present study shows clearly that broader parts of industry need to take action to prevent nickel allergy. The high proportion of DMG test-positive items indicates that there is still much work to be done to reduce the nickel exposure of the population.

Topics: Cell Phone; Computers; Consumer Product Safety; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; European Union; Hobbies; Humans; Manufactured Materials; Nickel; Oximes; Sweden

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Play and Playthings; Skin

Topics: Adult; Calorimetry; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Female; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Metallurgy; Nickel; Oximes

Children, especially those with atopic dermatitis, are at risk for nickel sensitization and subsequent dermatitis from metal-containing objects, namely belt buckles. We describe allergic contact dermatitis in 12 children with peri-umbilical nickel dermatitis (with and without generalized involvement) caused by dimethylglyoxime-positive belt buckles. The patients' symptoms resolved with avoidance of the nickel-containing products.

Topics: Adolescent; Awareness; Child; Clothing; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Nickel; Oximes

Nickel is widely used in coins; nickel may cause contact allergy and allergic contact dermatitis in those who handle them.. To investigate alloy use, coin composition and nickel and cobalt release for a worldwide selection of currently circulating coins.. Eight hundred and fifty coins of 361 different denominations or issues from 52 countries were collected and analysed with X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and nickel and cobalt spot tests.. Copper-nickel was the most frequently identified coin alloy, being observed in 100 denominations (28%), followed by aluminium-bronze (62, 17%). In total, 239 denominations released nickel (28%). Coins from Bolivia, Brazil and Costa Rica did not release nickel. Fewer than one-third of the denominations or issues from China, India, the euro area and Indonesia released nickel. In the United States, the Russian Federation, Japan, and Mexico, one-third or more of the denominations released nickel.. This worldwide selection of circulating coins covered countries with 75% of the world population, and shows that the majority of the world population lives in countries where coins release nickel. Pertinently, ∼ 40% of circulating coin denominations do not release nickel.

Topics: Cobalt; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Nickel; Numismatics; Occupational Diseases; Occupational Exposure; Oximes; Risk Factors; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission

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.. To develop and evaluate methods for visualization of nickel on the skin by the DMG test and hand imprints.. Nickel solutions at different concentrations were applied in duplicate on the hands in healthy subjects (n = 5). The DMG test and acid wipe sampling for quantification were then performed. Hand imprints were taken after manipulation of nickel-releasing tools (n = 1), and in workers performing their normal tasks (n = 7). The imprints were developed by the DMG test.. The DMG test on hands gave positive results in all subjects. The lowest concentration giving rise to a colour change was set to 0.13 µg/cm(2) for DMG testing on skin. DMG test-developed imprints worked well except when hands were heavily contaminated by other particles/dust.. The DMG test may be used as a simple and powerful tool for visualization of nickel on skin. DMG test-developed hand imprints may, in the future, be used for semi-quantitative or quantitative exposure assessment.

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Hand; Humans; Nickel; Occupational Exposure; Oximes; Skin

Topics: China; Cobalt; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Jewelry; Oximes; Thailand

Topics: Allergens; Clothing; Consumer Product Safety; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; European Union; Humans; Jewelry; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Netherlands; Nickel; Oximes; Risk Assessment

Despite the political intention to limit nickel allergy and dermatitis in Europeans, nickel allergy remains frequent. There are several explanations for the persistence of nickel allergy and dermatitis, including the increasing use of mobile phones. Before regulation of nickel release from mobile phones, we showed that eight (19.5%) of 41 mobile phones marketed in Denmark between 2003 and 2007 released nickel in concentrations that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis. In 2009, the EU Nickel Directive was revised to include nickel-releasing mobile phones.. To investigate the proportion of mobile phones sold in Denmark that release nickel after regulation.. Metallic parts from 50 randomly selected mobile phones currently for sale in Denmark were tested for nickel release by use of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG)-nickel spot test.. Nine (18%) phones showed at least one positive DMG test reaction and two phones had more than one DMG test-positive spot.. Apparently, the proportion of mobile phones with significant nickel release remains unchanged, despite the 2009 revision of the EU Nickel Directive. We encourage manufacturers to measure nickel release from metallic components used in the assembly of mobile phones to ensure safe products.

Topics: Cell Phone; Consumer Product Safety; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; European Union; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; Nickel; Oximes

China and Thailand produce large amounts of jewellery that are sold domestically and abroad.. To identify nickel release and metal content in earrings purchased in China and Thailand.. A total of 557 earrings were randomly purchased from vendors in 11 markets located in Beijing, Chengdu, Bangkok, Patong Beach, and Hat Yai. Earrings were subjected to dimethylglyoxime (DMG) tests and 26 of the DMG negative earrings were further evaluated qualitatively for major and minor metal content using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.. A total of 314 Chinese earrings (31.5%) and 243 Thai earrings (29.2%) were DMG test positive. Three (11.5%) of 29 DMG negative earrings contained nickel as a major component; 7 (26.9%) of 29 DMG negative earrings contained nickel as a minor component.. Excessive nickel release was frequent. This may contribute to the high prevalence of nickel allergy in both countries. Increased public education together with the adoption of a regulatory intervention in Thailand may be warranted. In China, enforcement of the 2002 Chinese National Standard GB 11887 may assist in reducing sensitization. These initiatives may eventually result in decreased morbidity among the Chinese and Thai citizens, but can potentially benefit recipient countries of these important earring producing countries.

Topics: China; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Ear, External; Humans; Jewelry; Nickel; Oximes; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; Thailand

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.. To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the DMG test.. DMG spot testing, chemical analysis according to the EN 1811 reference method, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were performed concomitantly on 96 metallic components from earrings recently purchased in San Francisco.. The sensitivity of the DMG test was 59.3% and the specificity was 97.5% based on DMG-test results and nickel release concentrations determined by the EN 1811 reference method.. The DMG test has a high specificity but a modest sensitivity. It may serve well for screening purposes. Past exposure studies may have underestimated nickel release from consumer items.

Topics: Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Sensitivity and Specificity; Sweat

Nickel allergy is prevalent as assessed by epidemiological studies.. In an attempt to further identify and characterize sources that may result in nickel allergy and dermatitis, we analysed items identified by nickel-allergic dermatitis patients as causative of nickel dermatitis by using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test.. Dermatitis patients with nickel allergy of current relevance were identified over a 2-year period in a tertiary referral patch test centre. When possible, their work tools and personal items were examined with the DMG test.. Among 95 nickel-allergic dermatitis patients, 70 (73.7%) had metallic items investigated for nickel release. A total of 151 items were investigated, and 66 (43.7%) gave positive DMG test reactions. Objects were nearly all purchased or acquired after the introduction of the EU Nickel Directive. Only one object had been inherited, and only two objects had been purchased outside of Denmark.. DMG testing is valuable as a screening test for nickel release and should be used to identify relevant exposures in nickel-allergic patients. Mainly consumer items, but also work tools used in an occupational setting, released nickel in dermatitis patients. This study confirmed 'risk items' from previous studies, including mobile phones.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cell Phone; Child; Consumer Product Safety; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; European Union; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Occupational Exposure; Oximes; Young Adult

Cutaneous nickel allergy in the very young is not well documented or characterized. A significant number of individuals are nickel sensitized by their mid-teenage years. Recent studies suggest that children may become sensitized to nickel at an early age.. The purpose of this study was to investigate nickel release from children's clothing fasteners as one potential route of exposure of pre-school age children to nickel ions.. Fasteners from new and used children's clothing purchased in the USA were tested using the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) and EN1811 tests for nickel ion release.. Of 173 fasteners tested, 10 (6%) tested positive using the DMG test for nickel release. EN 1811 standardized nickel release testing of these 10 items demonstrated that 70% (4% of all fasteners tested) released nickel in excess of the European Nickel Directive release limit (0.5 microg/cm(2)/week). Ten randomly selected DMG-negative fasteners were also EN 1811 tested, of which 30% of fasteners exceeded the European Nickel Directive release limit. Therefore, not less than 6% of the fasteners tested released excessive nickel.. This study concluded that clothing fasteners purchased in the USA could be a source of early childhood exposure to releasable nickel.

Topics: Child; Clothing; Consumer Product Safety; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Environmental Exposure; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Risk Assessment; Sensitivity and Specificity; United States

Nickel allergic subjects are at risk factor of acquiring hand eczema. In 1990 and 1994, respectively, Denmark and member states in the EU regulated nickel release from selected consumer products. The intention was that the nickel epidemic could be controlled and prevented if the general population was protected from high cutaneous nickel concentrations. Despite a decrease, the prevalence of nickel allergy remains high as nearly 10% of young women are nickel allergic.. This study aimed to perform dimethylglyoxime (DMG) testing of inexpensive jewelry and hair clasps purchased from random stores in Copenhagen, Denmark to detect the proportion of items that may result in nickel allergy.. Inexpensive jewelry and hair clasps were purchased from 36 stores and street vendors in Copenhagen and were later tested for nickel release using the DMG test.. The study showed that 19.3% hair clasps, 14.8% earrings, and 12.9% necklaces intended for adult women released an excessive amount of nickel. Of 25 stores visited, 36.0% sold DMG positive jewelry. For items designed for children, excessive nickel release was identified in hair clasps (79.4%) and in finger rings (20%). Four (50.0%) of 8 children clothing stores sold jewelry that released too much nickel.. Excessive nickel release has been regulated since 1990 in Denmark. However, 1/5 of purchased items released nickel in concentrations that may lead to nickel allergy. Especially hair clasps intended for children released an excessive amount of nickel.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Child, Preschool; Consumer Product Safety; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Humans; Jewelry; Nickel; Oximes; Risk Assessment; Scalp Dermatoses

Hand eczema as well as nickel contact allergy is prevalent among hairdressers. Recently, two female hairdressers were diagnosed with nickel contact allergy-related hand eczema following prolonged skin contact with scissors and crochet hooks used during work.. To determine the proportion of hairdressers' scissors and crochet hooks that released an excessive amount of nickel and to determine the prevalence of nickel allergy among patch-tested female hairdressers.. Random hairdressers' stores in Copenhagen were visited. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test was used to assess excessive nickel release. The prevalence of nickel allergy among female hairdressers from the database at Gentofte Hospital was compared with the prevalence of nickel allergy among other consecutively patch-tested dermatitis patients.. DMG testing showed that 1 (0.5%; 95% CI = 0 - 2.0) of 200 pairs of scissors and 7 (53.8%; 95% CI = 26.0 - 82.0) of 13 crochet hooks released an excessive amount of nickel. The prevalence of nickel allergy was higher among middle-aged and older female hairdressers than among young female hairdressers.. The prevalence of nickel allergy was lower among young hairdressers in comparison to older hairdressers. This may possibly be a result of the European Union (EU) Nickel Directive or a consequence of a decreased use of nickel-releasing work tools in salons. When nickel allergic hairdressers present with hand eczema, their work tools should be investigated for nickel release.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Beauty Culture; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Female; Hand Dermatoses; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Oximes; Patch Tests; Prevalence; Trace Elements; Young Adult

Nickel dermatitis may be caused by frequent and prolonged use of cell phones. Because little is known about the frequency of nickel release from cell phones, it is difficult to estimate the risk of nickel sensitization and dermatitis among their users.. Inspired by a recent case of nickel dermatitis from prolonged cell phone use, the frequency of dimethylglyoxime (DMG)-positive cell phones on the Danish market was investigated.. Five major cell phone companies were contacted. Two were visited, and the DMG test was performed on a sample of their products.. 5 of 15 (33.3%) phones from company A and 3 of 26 (11.5%) phones from company B showed at least 1 positive reaction. 3 phones had more than 1 positive DMG spots.. This study documents that excessive nickel release (i.e. a positive DMG test) is relatively frequent in a sample of cell phones from the Danish market. Prolonged use of cell phones may in some cases fulfil the criteria for items included in the European Union Nickel Directive. We believe that this new cause of nickel dermatitis should be carefully followed and that regulatory steps may be necessary.

Topics: Adult; Cell Phone; Consumer Product Safety; Denmark; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; European Union; Facial Dermatoses; Female; Humans; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Nickel; Occupational Exposure; Oximes

Nickel sensitization is frequent among US patients with dermatitis and in the general population. In Europe, decreasing prevalences of nickel sensitization are observed as a result of the European Union Nickel Directive. However, no directive exists in the United States.. We sought to examine nickel release from inexpensive earrings and discuss possible methods of reducing nickel exposure among consumers.. A total of 34 different stores and artists were visited. A total of 277 earrings were purchased and examined with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test.. DMG-positive earrings were identified from local artists (69%) and tourist stores (42.9%) but also chain stores targeting young (24.1%) and mature (1.7%) women. No correlation between price and outcome of DMG testing was identified.. Our study does not reflect buying trends in the United States. Pretreatment of earrings with artificial sweat was not performed and the DMG may lead to both false-positive and false-negative results.. Nickel exposure from inexpensive earrings is frequent in the United States. A regulatory governmental intervention may be warranted.

Topics: California; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Ear, External; Nickel; Oximes; United States

Nickel is a common cause of allergic contact dermatitis and is associated with metal buttons and snaps on blue jeans.. To determine the prevalence of nickel-positive metal buttons on blue jeans and the efficacy of nail polish in the prevention of nickel release.. We collected 62 pairs of new and preworn blue jeans. The metal buttons were tested for nickel with a dimethylglyoxime test kit, and one coat of clear nail polish was applied to nickel-positive buttons. Painted buttons were dried for 24 hours, and the jeans were washed on delicate cycle and retested for nickel. The jeans underwent a second wash/dry cycle and were retested.. The prevalence of nickel-positive metal buttons on blue jeans was 16%. Ten pairs of jeans tested positive for nickel. All 10 pairs tested negative for nickel after the application of one coat of clear nail polish. Of these 10 pairs, seven pairs underwent two wash/dry cycles, and all seven tested negative for nickel after each cycle.. The presence of nickel-positive blue-jean buttons is greater in new jeans than in preworn jeans. One clear coat of nail polish can prevent nickel release through two wash/dry cycles in a test environment.

Topics: Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Clothing; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Patch Tests; Sensitivity and Specificity

Nickel allergy is by far the most frequent contact allergy, affecting 10-15% of women in the general population, and causing dermatitis and hand eczema. The EU Nickel Directive, aimed at the prevention of nickel allergy, comes fully into force by July 2001. The Directive covers piercing materials, items in contact with the skin, and requirements on resistance to wear. We carried out a study of the prevalence on the market, before the Nickel Directive, of items that release nickel and of nickel in piercing posts. Nickel release, as shown by a positive dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test, was detected in 25% of 725 items intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Of 15 posts intended for use during epithelialization after piercing, 60% contained more than 0.05% nickel. These products do not comply with the requirements of the EU Nickel Directive. It is suggested that experts in contact dermatitis participate in the prevention of nickel allergy by explaining its effects: the r le of skin exposure and which parts of an item are in contact with the skin, and the crucial question of nickel release versus nickel content.

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; European Union; Female; Health Policy; Humans; Industry; Legislation, Medical; Male; Maximum Allowable Concentration; Nickel; Oximes; Prevalence; Sweden

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Eyeglasses; Female; Humans; Indicators and Reagents; Middle Aged; Nickel; Nose; Oximes

In 1994, a study of nickel release and allergic contact dermatitis from nickel-plated metals and stainless steels was published in this journal. It was shown that low-sulfur stainless steel grades like AISI 304, 316L or 430 (S < or = 0.007%) release less than 0.03 microgram/cm2/week of nickel in acid artificial sweat and elicit no reactions in patients already sensitized to nickel. In contrast, nickel-plated samples release around 100 micrograms/cm2/week of Ni and high-sulfur stainless steel (AISI 303-S approximately 0.3%) releases about 1.5 micrograms/cm2/week in this acid artificial sweat. Applied on patients sensitized to nickel, these metals elicit positive reactions in 96% and 14%, respectively, of the patients. The main conclusion was that low-sulfur stainless steels like AISI 304, 316L or 430, even when containing Ni, should not elicit nickel contact dermatitis, while metals having a mean corrosion resistance like a high-sulfur stainless steel (AISI 303) or nickel-plated steel should be avoided. The determining characteristic was in fact the corrosion resistance in chloride media, which, for stainless steels, is connected, among other factors, to the sulfur content. Thus, a question remained concerning the grades with an intermediate sulfur content, around 0.03%, which were not studied. They are the object of the study presented in this paper. 3 tests were performed: leaching experiments, dimethylglyoxime and HNO3 spot tests, and clinical patch tests; however, only stainless steels were tested: a low-sulfur AISI 304 and AISI 303 as references and 3 grades with a sulfur content around 0.03%: AISI 304L, AISI 304L added with Ca, AISI 304L+Cu. Leaching experiments showed that the 4 non-resulfurised grades released less than 0.5 microgram/cm2/week in acid sweat while the reulfurized AISI 303 released around or more than 0.5 microgram/cm2/week. This is explained by the poorer corrosion resistance of the resulfurized grade. Yet all these grades had the same reaction to the DMG test (negative result), which shows again its lack of sensitivity. In contrast, the HNO3 spot test distinguished AISI 303 from the non-resulfurized grades. Clinical patch tests again showed that some patients (4%) were intolerant to AISI 303, while none were intolerant to the other grades. Thus, this study confirms that non-resulfurized stainless steels (S < or = 0.03%) like Ni-containing 304 and 304L should not elicit Ni contact dermatitis, while the resulfurized grades (S > 0.1%)

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Male; Middle Aged; Nickel; Nitric Acid; Oximes; Patch Tests; Pharmaceutical Solutions; Sensitivity and Specificity; Stainless Steel; Sweat

Nickel release from nickel-plated metals often induces allergic contact dermatitis, but, for nickel-containing stainless steels, the effect is not well-known. In this paper, AISI 304, 316L, 303 and 430 type stainless steels, nickel and nickel-plated materials were investigated. 4 tests were performed: patch tests, leaching experiments, dimethylglyoxime (DMG) spot tests and electrochemical tests. Patch tests showed that 96% of the patients were intolerant to Ni-plated samples, and 14% to a high-sulfur stainless steel (303), while nickel-containing stainless steels with a low sulfur content elicited no reactions. Leaching experiments confirmed the patch tests: in acidic artificial sweat, Ni-plated samples released about 100 micrograms/cm2/week of nickel, while low-sulfur stainless steels released less than 0.03 microgram/cm2/week of nickel, and AISI 303 about 1.5 micrograms/cm2/week. Attention is drawn to the irrelevance of the DMG spot test, which reveals Ni present in the metal bulk but not its dissolution rate. Electrochemical experiments showed that 304 and 316 grades remain passive in the environments tested, while Ni-plated steels and AISI 303 can suffer significant cation dissolution. Thus, Ni-containing 304 and 316 steels should not induce contact dermatitis, while 303 should be avoided. A reliable nitric acid spot test is proposed to distinguish this grade from other stainless steels.

Topics: Chemistry Techniques, Analytical; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Electrochemistry; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Sensitivity and Specificity; Skin Tests; Stainless Steel

The prevalence of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) caused by nickel is increasing. The probable cause is the increased use of nickel-containing metals in intimate contact with the skin. The critical factor is the amount of nickel released from these metals (bioavailable nickel) onto the skin. In the present study, we determined, with flame atomic absorbtion spectrometry, the amount of nickel released into synthetic sweat from metal samples. The results of this method were compared with the results of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test, which is considered to be a reliable means of identifying whether nickel-containing metals may cause allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals. Out of 10 samples studied, only small amounts (< 0.5 microgram/cm2/week) were released from 2 samples, and the DMG test was negative. From 5 samples, more than 0.5 microgram/cm2/week was released, and the DMG test was positive. For 3 samples, however, the DMG test was negative, though the flame atomic absorption spectrometry test showed considerable release of nickel. Therefore, although the DMG test can be used as a first line test for determining nickel release, some DMG-negative metal materials probably induce nickel sensitization, and should by no means be advertised as safe in this respect. We also report a nickel-allergic patient who developed ACD from stainless steel, indicating that some types of stainless steel release enough nickel to elicit allergic symptoms.

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Diffusion; Humans; Male; Nickel; Oximes; Reproducibility of Results; Spectrophotometry, Atomic; Stainless Steel; Sweat

A new technique for finishing anodized aluminium was introduced during the 1980s--cold impregnation with nickel. Nickel is available on the surface of cold-impregnated aluminium, as shown by the dimethylglyoxime test. Chemical analysis with EDXA showed that nickel was in the form of NiSO4. A case of work-related allergic contact dermatitis in an engraver with nickel allergy is reported. It transpired that the patient was exposed to nickel in connection with aluminium. It is concluded that cold-impregnated aluminium is a new source of nickel exposure, probably previously unknown to dermatologists.

Topics: Adult; Aluminum; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Dermatitis, Occupational; Electron Probe Microanalysis; Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Humans; Male; Metallurgy; Nickel; Oximes

Contact allergy to nickel is a large dermatological problem affecting 10-15% of women and 1% of men in the general population. The aim of this study was to illustrate the significance of occupational nickel exposure in men. Patch testing was carried out to identify patients with nickel allergy and the dimethylglyoxime test was used to identify sources of nickel exposure. 8% of the men and 30% of the women were patch-test positive to nickel. Most of the patients had hand eczema, and a few had facial eczema. Tools and equipment used in different jobs by workers such as carpenters, electricians, painters, and plumbers were often found to cause nickel release. Black-nickel plating is used for optical equipment while cold-sealing of aluminium with nickel is a method of treating anodized aluminium. Both black-nickel and cold-sealed aluminium were found to be unexpected causes of dermatitis due to nickel release. Sources of occupational nickel exposure are often missed by dermatologists, due to lack of knowledge. Occupational nickel exposure is however important to identify, and the dimethylglyoxime test is a helpful tool.

Topics: Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Female; Humans; Male; Nickel; Occupational Diseases; Oximes; Patch Tests

Topics: Beauty Culture; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact; Ear Diseases; Ear, External; Europe; Humans; Nickel; Oximes; Stainless Steel; United States