NiDI's Response to Article in 'Nature' on Nickel and Euro Coins
September 12, 2002 -- An article, published today in Nature reports the results of experiments on the release of nickel from the
one- and two-euro coins and the effect of such release on people who are already sensitised to nickel.
The results reported in the article show that the euro coins can release nickel in a simulated sweat solution if left in that solution for an extended period. This should not be a surprise.
The article says that such release rates exceed the values that are acceptable for prolonged contact with the human skin. We agree. The nickel industry supports the aims of the EU Nickel Directive, which bans the use of such alloys in articles where the alloy is intended to be in direct and prolonged contact with the skin. Euro coins should not be used as jewellery.
The article also describes the reactions of sensitized individuals after 48 and 72 hours of continuous, intimate contact between the coins and the skin. We consider that such tests have no significance for evaluating the effect of the normal handling and use of coins.
The article says that the acceptability of this use of nickel alloys hinges on the meaning of prolonged contact. We agree. The nickel industry does not consider that normal handling and use of coins constitutes prolonged contact. This view is supported by experimental work undertaken on behalf of the industry and by the draft risk assessment on the use of nickel in euro coins undertaken by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency on behalf of the EU.
Nickel is an excellent practical coinage material which has been used for more than a century. It and its
alloys show excellent coin quality, production characteristics, long life and recyclability. Nickel and its
alloys also permit high value coins to have a wide variety of technical properties that can be used to
increase coin security against counterfeiting. This is one reason for the complex structure chosen for the
high value euro coins. Bi-metallic coins of similar composition have been in widespread use in Europe and
elsewhere long before the introduction of the euro coins.
For the response to the Nature article that NiDI sent to Nature on September 16, 2002, click here.
The nickel industry position on coinage and a reference to supporting documents can also be found here: www.nickelinstitute.org/index.cfm/ci-id/156.htm and www.nickelinstitute.org/index.cfm/ci-id/158.htm
For more Information on this website, please see:
"Nickel Allergic Contact Dermatitis," Basic Science Paper
ENV-1
"Nickel Allergic Contact Dermatitis," NiDI Stewardship Policy
"Appropriate Use," Nickel Magazine editorial, September 2001.
"A Metallurgical Approach to Metal
Contact Dermatitis," by G. N. Flint, November 1998. NiDI Reprint Series No. 14047.
"The Colour of Money", NiDI Status Report No. 6, 1998.
For further information please contact:
Dr. Ivor Kirman (ikirman@nidi.org) or Bill Molloy (wmolloy@nidi.org) in London (44 20 7258 9830) or Bruce McKean (bmckean@nidi.org) in Toronto (1 416 591 7999).
