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Nickel allergy is a subject that became important over the last tenthes of years, mainly due to the development of
cheap jewellery and accessories. Such items exhibits usually a nickel underlayer below the final decorative coating.
Data from litterature show that about 10-12% of women and about 6% of men develop an allergy to nickel. In fact , the allergy is created by nickel salts, not metallic nickel. These salts are developped on the items by contact with sweat, leading to the allergenic process. This phenomenon is always based on a corrosion damage of the item in contact with the skin. |
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The sensitization to nickel is not reversible. Each piece in direct and prolonged contact with the skin may generate an allergy.
Due to the quality of their coatings, the following items may typically be source of nickel allergy : Carrings, neckwear, bracelets and their closing devices, chains, rings, watch cases, zip closures, buttons etc…
The Laboratoire Dubois developped since years a specific expertise in respect to the problems of nickel allergy, participating to the development of different measurement methods and
European standards for the quantification of nickel release. Furthermore, the Laboratoire Dubois is member of the work group « Nickel allergy » of the « Federation of Swiss Watch Industry » (FH) as well as the Allergenic Materials » work group of the Technical comittee ISO/TC114.
We provide accreditated tests for the assessment of nickel release according to recognized standards.
Contact us for any question !
CAUTION :
Our laboratory is assessing the materials of items in contact with the skin which may release nickel. Dermatitis caused by nickel allergy shall be treated by a physician. |
