Nickel release from earrings purchased in the United States: The San Francisco earring study - 24/04/13
, Howard Ira Maibach, MD b
Reprint requests: Jacob Pontoppidan Thyssen, MD, National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology, Gentofte University Hospital, Ledreborg Allé 40, 1. 2820 Gentofte, Denmark.Abstract |
Background |
Nickel sensitization is frequent among US patients with dermatitis and in the general population. In Europe, decreasing prevalences of nickel sensitization are observed as a result of the European Union Nickel Directive. However, no directive exists in the United States.
Objectives |
We sought to examine nickel release from inexpensive earrings and discuss possible methods of reducing nickel exposure among consumers.
Methods |
A total of 34 different stores and artists were visited. A total of 277 earrings were purchased and examined with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test.
Results |
DMG-positive earrings were identified from local artists (69%) and tourist stores (42.9%) but also chain stores targeting young (24.1%) and mature (1.7%) women. No correlation between price and outcome of DMG testing was identified.
Limitations |
Our study does not reflect buying trends in the United States. Pretreatment of earrings with artificial sweat was not performed and the DMG may lead to both false-positive and false–negative results.
Conclusions |
Nickel exposure from inexpensive earrings is frequent in the United States. A regulatory governmental intervention may be warranted.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Abbreviations used : DMG, EU, NACDG
Plan
| Supported by the Copenhagen County Research Foundation and the Foundation of Danish Physicians under CODAN/SEB. |
|
| Conflicts of interest: None declared. |
Vol 58 - N° 6
P. 1000-1005 - juin 2008 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Intermittent therapy for flare prevention and long-term disease control in stabilized atopic dermatitis: A randomized comparison of 3-times-weekly applications of tacrolimus ointment versus vehicle
- Debra Breneman, Alan B. Fleischer, William Abramovits, Joshua Zeichner, Michael H. Gold, Robert S. Kirsner, Toni F. Shull, Andrew W. Crowe, Eileen Jaracz, Jon M. Hanifin, Tacrolimus Ointment Study Group
- Registration of Clinical Trials
Bienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.
L’accès au texte intégral de cet article nécessite un abonnement.
Déjà abonné à cette revue ?