Metallurgy: high nickel release from 1- and 2-euro coins.
The amount of nickel is regulated in European products that come into direct and prolonged contact with human skin because this metal may cause contact allergy, particularly hand eczema. Here we show that 1- and 2-euro coins induce positive skin-test reactions in sensitized individuals and release 240-320-fold more nickel than is allowed under the European Union Nickel Directive. A factor contributing to this high release of nickel is corrosion due to the bimetallic structure of these coins, which generates a galvanic potential of 30-40 mV in human sweat.
Nestle
Frank O
FO
Department of Dermatology, University of Zürich Hospital, Zürich 8901, Switzerland. nestle@derm.unizh.ch
Speidel
Hannes
H
Speidel
Markus O
MO
D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D003343:Corrosion; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017097:Electric Impedance; D004566:Electrodes; D005062:European Union; D006801:Humans; D009532:Nickel / Q000737:chemistry*; D009717:Numismatics / Q000145:classification; D023422:Skin Irritancy Tests; D013542:Sweat / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
D000497:Alloys; D009532:Nickel