Nickel on the Swedish market: follow-up 10 years after entry into force of the EU Nickel Directive

Background. The EU Nickel Directive, aimed at primary and secondary prevention of nickel allergy by limitation of nickel release from certain items, came fully into force in July 2001. Objectives. To assess the prevalence on the market of items with nickel release and to compare the outcome with previous studies performed in Sweden in 1999 and 2002-2003. Materials and Methods. Nickel release from 659 items covered by the EU Nickel Directive was assessed with the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test. Special attention, as compared with the previous surveys, was given to cheap jewellery in street markets and sewing materials in haberdashery shops. Results. Nickel release was shown for 9% of the tested items, all of which were intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin. A high proportion of items bought at haberdashery shops and street markets, 34% and 61%, respectively, showed nickel release. Conclusions. The Swedish market for products intended for direct and prolonged contact with the skin has largely adapted to the Nickel Directive. It is suggested that authorities should monitor the market regularly and give attention to areas where compliance with the requirements is poor, for protection of public health.