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New UK coins pose increased dermatitis, allergy risk

Nickel-plated steel coins recently introduced in the United Kingdom deposited higher levels of nickel onto the skin than the coins they replaced and raised allergy risk, according to recent study results.

In a comparison of performance and allergy threat of the new 5 pence and 10 pence and the previous cupro-nickel versions, researchers assessed skin exposure and metal release in artificial sweat. Six volunteers were study participants.

During handling of the new coins for 1 hour, the amount of nickel deposited onto the skin (7.5 mcg nickel/cm2) was four times greater than that from cupro-nickel coins. The oxidized surface of the nickel-plated steel coins had a greater nickel content, and initial release rates of nickel were 10 to 27 times higher when compared with 1-week rates. Researchers said significant nickel exposure occurred when the coins were handled briefly, but repeatedly.

Researchers warned that a 1-week period of nickel release in artificial sweat — in which cupro-nickel coins released more nickel than nickel-plated steel coins — is not suitable for assessing long-term risk that may occur in short, repeated skin contact with high nickel-release coins. “The nickel skin dose is recommended for risk assessment,” investigators wrote.

“Our study clearly shows that the nickel-plated steel coins … pose an increased allergy and eczema risk to the general public and cashiers, as compared with the cupro-nickel plated steel coins,” the researchers concluded. “It is of utmost importance that consumers, general practitioners, dermatologists and industrial physicians understand that brief and repeated contact with coins and other items may cause significant nickel exposure and result in nickel allergy and dermatitis on the hands. … This is of public health concern.”