New UK nickel‐plated steel coins constitute an increased allergy and eczema risk

Abstract

Nickel-plated coins deposit higher levels of nickel onto skin than cupro-nickel coins, and hence pose an increased allergy risk. One-week release in artificial sweat is not suitable for determining the risk of handling items with high nickel release that come into short, repeated contact with the skin. The nickel skin dose is recommended for risk assessment. UK citizens are now, because of this change in coinage, unnecessarily exposed to higher levels of nickel on the skin. This is of public health concern.

Nickel allergy and allergic contact dermatitis: A clinical review of immunology, epidemiology, exposure, and treatment

“…In accordance with this, nickel skin levels capable of eliciting allergic nickel dermatitis have been found on the hands following the performance of normal work tasks in individuals from several of these occupations . A great variety of occupational nickel exposures have been found, including from coolants and cutting fluids, work tools, keys, electrical components, coins, sewing needles, dental tools and alloys, crochet hooks, dermatoscopes, guitar strings, and computers . The relevance of nickel as an occupational allergen may, in some cases, be difficult to elucidate, because of simultaneous irritant exposure, or because of many short but repeated nickel exposures, possibly from various sources.…”

“…Today, nickel is used in a wide range of metallic items, and may also been found in detergents and cosmetics. Nickel release that is capable of eliciting allergic nickel dermatitis has been reported from selected metallic items (Table ) . Only some of these items are listed in the current nickel regulation.…”

“…The amount of nickel release from the surface of a material has been directly linked to the risk of eliciting allergic nickel dermatitis, whereas the nickel content is of less importance . The proportion of nickel in the surface of a material or in fluids can be determined with X‐ray fluorescence or, even better, with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy …”

Nickel Exposure When Working Out in the Gym

“…It is well-known that release of metal ions from metal surfaces (alloys or platings) is not directly related to the metal content (5,12,13). We know that human sweat influences the release of nickel metal ions.…”

“…Also there are several items that come in brief and repeated contact with the skin that are not covered by the legislation. Examples are tools, keys, laptops and coins (4,5).…”