Dermal nickel exposure associated with coin handling and in various occupational settings: assessment using a newly developed finger immersion method

Autor: N. Evans, I. Staton, Renli Ma, Cameron McLeod, David J. Gawkrodger, Robert Hutchinson
Rok vydání: 2006
Předmět:
Zdroj: British Journal of Dermatology. 154:658-664
ISSN: 0007-0963
DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2006.07128.x
Popis: Background The role of nickel in causing hand dermatitis in some occupations has been difficult to assess due to problems with reliable measurement of the exposure to nickel in the workplace and lack of a definitive threshold for nickel allergic contact dermatitis. It is not uncommon to find nickel allergy on patch testing but it is difficult to determine whether this is of relevance to occupational nickel exposure or simply a reflection of past exposure to nickel-plated jewellery or other nonoccupational nickel exposure. Objectives To devise a simple and reproducible method to quantify the amount of nickel on the skin and to apply the technique to measure dermal nickel exposure in various occupational settings. Methods A rapid and simple sampling procedure was developed for determination of nickel on the skin of workers potentially exposed to nickel by exposing individuals to nickel-releasing coins and measuring exposure by immersing the exposed thumbs and index fingers directly into graduated sample tubes containing ultrapure water and aqueous nickel extracts. The solutions were analysed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry after stabilization with nitric acid. The method shows advantages over alternatives such as wipe testing and tape stripping in terms of extraction efficiency, speed and ease of operation in the field. A pilot survey of dermal nickel exposure for workers in several occupational settings was conducted. Results The study suggested that a ‘normal’ level of nickel on the skin is
Databáze: OpenAIRE