Nickel on the Dutch market: 10 years after entry into force of the EU Nickel Directive

Nickel and cobalt release from jewellery and metal clothing items inKorea

“…When jewellery was classified into branded and non‐branded categories, the proportion of DMG test‐positive items was significantly higher in the non‐branded category than in the branded category (70.8% versus 12.4%). This finding is consistent with the results of previous surveys conducted in Europe, although each of the values is higher in Korea than in European countries . In this study, the DMG test‐positive rates of branded jewellery, except for belts and hair pins, was ˜ 10% or lower, indicating that brand companies may have their own quality control system that limits nickel release, despite the fact that regulations pertaining to nickel release are not yet in effect in Korea.…”

“…Metal clothing items showed a high DMG test‐positive rate of 76.3%. Similar results were reported from the Swedish and Dutch markets , with the highest rate being 96% . Metal buttons, studs, hooks, snaps, and zippers are widely used on most clothes, and can release nickel onto the skin of individuals.…”

“…In Europe, the EU Nickel Directive was enacted to limit the amount of nickel released to < 0.5 µg/cm 2 /week from certain products that come into direct and prolonged contact with a consumer's skin . After this intervention came into full force in July 2001, the frequency of items that release nickel on the market and the prevalence of nickel allergy were reduced in Europe . In contrast, nickel sensitization is still increasing in Korea.…”

“…contact with a consumer's skin (1). After this intervention came into full force in July 2001, the frequency of items that release nickel on the market and the prevalence of nickel allergy were reduced in Europe (2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). In contrast, nickel sensitization is still increasing in Korea.…”

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

“…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.…”