Wennervaldt Michael, Ahlström Malin G, Menné Torkil, Thyssen Jacob P, Johansen Jeanne D
National Allergy Research Centre, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev-Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark.
Department of Dermatology and Allergy, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev-Gentofte, Hellerup, Denmark.
Contact Dermatitis. 2021 Mar 13. doi: 10.1111/cod.13832.
Exposure to nickel-releasing ear-piercing jewellery may explain the persistently high prevalence of nickel allergy in Europe. While nickel release from earrings is regulated, field studies show that the regulation is not always respected. More knowledge is needed regarding the risk of piercing exposure including suitable screening methods.
To examine the proportion of earrings on the Danish market that release more nickel than allowed, and to validate the use of the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test as a screening tool.
A total of 304 earrings were purchased and tested with the DMG test and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The level of nickel release was quantified in a selected subsample of 100 earrings by the European reference test EN 1811. The DMG spot test was validated against EN 1811 at different thresholds.
Excessive nickel release according to the European regulation was found in 45 (14.8%) tested earrings. The sensitivity of the DMG test decreased with reduced levels of nickel release (sensitivity of 45.2% at ≥0.2 μg/cm /week vs 61.1% at >0.5 μg/cm /week).
Excessive nickel release is common in earrings on the Danish market. Because of low sensitivity, the DMG test has limited use in screening of earrings for research but may still be used clinically.
