Prevention of nickel release from decorative nickel-chromium electroplated articles in the context of allergic contact dermatitis

摘要

'Nickel Allergy' arises when some nickel-containing articles are in prolonged and direct contact with skin, causing corrosion of elemental nickel by sweat and liberating sufficient nickel ions to be absorbed through the skin, resulting in an immune reaction in the form of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). The EU 'Nickel Restrictions' legislation imposes limits on the amount of nickel released from articles intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with skin, but permitting a non-nickel surface coating that can ensure the rate of nickel release does not exceed 0.5 mg/cm(2)/week after two years of normal use. Tests for qualification are EN 12472 and EN 1811.