Details

Autor(en) / Beteiligte

• Chan, Cynthia X.
• Hamann, Carsten R.

Titel

Nickel release from hairdressing tools in the United States

Ist Teil von

• Contact dermatitis, 2023-12, Vol.89 (6), p.480-483

Ort / Verlag

Malden: Wiley Subscription Services, Inc

Erscheinungsjahr

2023

Quelle

Wiley Online Library

Beschreibungen/Notizen

• Abstract Background Hairdressers have a high prevalence of contact dermatitis, especially to nickel. The presence of nickel in hairdressing tools has been evaluated in the European Union, where the government limits nickel release levels from objects. Objectives The aim of this study is to qualitatively investigate nickel release in hairdresser tools in both rural and urban United States, a country without nickel release legislation. Methods Hairdressers and individuals with hairdressing tools were invited to participate. Metallic parts of each tool were tested with dimethylglyoxime (DMG), which detects nickel release. Data on tool cost were recorded. Results A total of 89 tools from 9 salons and 2 over‐the‐counter sets were tested. Twenty‐four (27%) tested positive: trimmers (100%), curling irons (100%), clippers (50%), hair clips (36%), texturizing shears (26%), and trimming shears (4%). Nickel was detected in both salon and over‐the‐counter tools, and rural and urban salons. Nickel‐releasing tools were cheaper than DMG‐negative tools of the same type. Conclusions Our findings help explain the high prevalence of contact dermatitis among hairdressers, alert clinicians to consider occult occupational nickel when assessing patients with allergic contact dermatitis, reinforces the importance of using barrier protection including gloves when handling hairdressing tools including at home, and augments impetus for more legislation regulating common allergens.