Cobalt release from implants and consumer items and characteristics of cobalt sensitized patients with dermatitis

Abstract

It is often difficult to interpret the relevance of a positive patch test reaction to cobalt, and there is a need for further studies to determine sources of cobalt exposure.

Mobile Phones: Potential Sources of Nickel and Cobalt Exposure for Metal Allergic Patients

“…Of the randomly selected sample of 50 new mobile phones for sale, no cobalt release was detected. 39 Interestingly, there have been four cases of patients with cell phone dermatitis deemed to have both nickel and cobalt sensitivity on patch testing, whose dermatitis improved with reduced cellular phone contact, however, the cellular phones were not tested for cobalt. 23,24 Given the rise in nickel and cobalt sensitization and reports of cell phone dermatitis in the literature, our aim was to investigate whether nickel or cobalt was present in top selling cellular phone models in the United States.…”

“…38 Historically, isolated cobalt allergy is seen in metal workers, brick layers, and pottery workers through occupational exposure. 39 However, a study conducted in the United States from 2001 to 2004 revealed that 12% of children with dermatitis had a relevant cobalt allergy. 40 Although a decrease in nickel sensitization was seen after the implementation of regulations in Europe, the prevalence of cobalt allergy remained the same.…”

“…40 Although a decrease in nickel sensitization was seen after the implementation of regulations in Europe, the prevalence of cobalt allergy remained the same. [14][15][16][17]39,41 A study performed in Denmark to determine whether cobalt had replaced nickel in jewelry after the implementation of the EU Nickel Directive showed that cobalt was detected in only 1.1% of the items. 42 Another study looked at the cobalt release from cell phones.…”

Modern Technology Related Dermatosis: Review

“…29 Bir çalışmada, 50 telefonda kobalt içeriği araş-tırılmış, pozitif reaksiyona rastlanmamıştır. 30 Aquino ve ark.nın yaptığı çalışmada, 72 adet yedi farklı markanın telefonlarında kamera, tuşlar, metal logo, yan paneller ve hoparlör olmak üzere beş yer nikel ve kobalt içeriği açısından incelenmiştir. Yetmiş iki telefonun 24 tanesinde nikel, 10 tanesinde ise kobalt saptanmıştır.…”

“…Sarı olan reaktanın pembe renge dönmesi pozitif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. 30,31 Telefon dermatiti olup nikel ve kobalta karşı pozitif deri yama testi saptanan olgular bildirilmiş, ancak telefonlar kobalt açısından test edilmemiş-tir. 32,33 K Kr ro om m: : Nikel dermatiti kadar sık olmamasına rağmen preauriküler lokalizasyonda dermatit tablosu olup kroma karşı pozitif deri yama testi saptanan olgular bildirilmiştir.…”