Nickel

Evaluation of nickel with regard to the effect of allergy on the reduction of earning capacity:

Nickel is found ubiquitously, in the earth, in water and in the air. Today, occupational exposure to nickel ions is often insufficient to induce an occupational nickel allergy with sufficient probability. Nevertheless, it must be carefully clarified in each individual case whether a type IV allergy to nickel ions is relevant from an occupational dermatological point of view. The high prevalence of sensitization in the population is due to the release of nickel ions from nickel-plated objects that come into intensive and direct contact with the skin (costume jewelry, spectacle frames, buttons, fasteners, etc.).

According to the EU Directive 94/27/EC , used objects that come into "direct and prolonged" contact with skin must not release more than 0.5ug nickel/sqcm/week. Prolonged contact" is defined as >10 min. on 3 and > 3 occasions within 2 weeks, or > 30 min. on 1 or > 1 occasion within 2 weeks.

In the meantime, nickel has become the most common contact allergen in Europe, whereby both the induction of sensitization and the triggering of allergic contact eczema in people who have already been sensitized is usually caused outside of the workplace.

Relevant occupational exposures: In the case of occupational nickel sensitization, occupations where skin contact with nickel-releasing surfaces is possible, such as in electroplating or assembly of nickel-plated parts, must be considered closed.

Effect of an allergy: Normally "mild" to "moderate". A very low trigger threshold in conjunction with the corresponding clinical picture may be an indication of "serious" effects of an allergy and more workplaces may then be considered closed; this must be justified in individual cases.

1. Diepgen TL et al. (2005) Evidence-based assessment of the effect of type IV allergies in the reduction of earning capacity - assessment of occupational skin diseases. Dermatologist 56: 207-223
2. Diepgen TL et al. (2002) Assessment of the effect of allergies in the reduction of earning capacity in the context of BK 5101 Part I: Acrylates/methacrylates, epoxy resin systems, formaldehyde, dichromate, rosin, latex, nickel, p-phenylenediamine. Dermatol Occupation Environment 50: 139-154