Why is Nickel Regulated

• Nickel is the most common cause of allergic contact dermatitis of the skin.  Ten percent of the UK. adult population have become sensitised to Nickel.  This may cause a minor allergic irritation for the majority of individuals, but some people experience a severe significant reaction.
• The main problem with nickel arises for nickel sensitive patients who develop hand dermatitis. Nickel can easily permeate through the skin of their hands resulting in a perpetuation of the dermatitis. As nickel is such a universally found substance it is almost impossible for sufferers to avoid contact with nickel on hands.  As a result long-term disability occurs. UK Nickel Regulations enforce the European Nickel Directive which was initiated by dermatologists. They believe that sensitisation is likely to be caused by ear or body piercing and perpetuated by prolonged contact with nickel.

• It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of women and 2-5% of men in Europe are nickel-sensitised, so the danger of a customer suffering bad reactions from a non-conforming product is significant.  Subsequent legal action is almost inevitable.