Concerns About Nickel in Eurocoins Unjustified
November 28, 2001 -- A 23 November Reuters Stockholm Newsroom report implied that
the inclusion of nickel in the new European eurocoins represents a significant health risk to the European
population. Also implied is that the risks are somehow greater with the new eurocoins than with existing
European coinage. Neither implication is correct.
For many decades, nickel has been a key part of the coinage systems of almost every country in the world,
including all the countries who will be changing over to eurocoins as of January 2002. Nickel and
copper-nickel alloys are preferred coinage materials because of their excellent coining properties,
outstanding durability and ease of recycling.
As Europeans have been using nickel-containing coinage for more than a century, the introduction of the Euro
will NOT increase the exposure of the European population to nickel.
The nickel industry knows of no scientific evidence indicating that nickel or copper-nickel coinage alloys
constitute a significant risk in normal handling and use.
This opinion was reinforced by a targeted risk assessment on the Use of Nickel in Euro Coins completed for
the European Commission by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency in June 1999. It was further supported
by statements by the European Commission in the same year.
For the original Reuter's report "Euro coins could cause skin disease" click here.
For the nickel industry's response to that Reuter's Report click here.
For Reuter's follow-up story "Nickel group says the metal safe for euro coins", click here.
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).
Background:
The paper by Liden and Carter, quoted by the original Reuters report, was published in the journal "Contact
Dermatitis" in March 2001. It addresses nickel release when coins are immersed for two minutes in a corrosive
liquid intended to simulate sweat. Their results indicated that significant release of nickel occurred.
It is well known that exposure of nickel or copper-nickel products to sweat solution will lead to release of
nickel. It is also well known that nickel release can cause skin problems if articles releasing the nickel
are worn in close and prolonged contact with the skin. This is the basis for the Nickel Directive that now
applies within the EU.
The nickel industry collaborated with the European authorities and the dermatological community on the
development of this directive.
But the Nickel Directive is concerned with prolonged contact applications. In normal handling and use, even
by "professionals", nickel-containing coins are not in prolonged contact with the skin. Contact is short and
intermittent.
It is on this basis that the nickel industry strongly supports the use of nickel in coinage - including
eurocoins - as entirely appropriate. Indeed in our view, and that of many in the coinage industry,
nickel-containing coinage is the best coinage for modern society.
More Information on this website:
"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.
