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Background: Many daily contacts with metallic items are short and repetitive, and result in metal release; material, sweat, friction and wear may all be important., Objectives: To study cobalt release and skin deposition as a result of many short and repetitive contacts with two cobalt-containing materials., Materials/methods: Study participants (n = 5) handled two types of hard metal disc (Co 6% and Co 15% Cr 0.6%) for 30 min. Deposited cobalt skin doses were measured with acid wipe sampling and chemical analysis. Cobalt release from the hard metal discs in artificial sweat was measured under conditions simulating those present during the handling of discs., Results: Average cobalt skin doses from discs containing 6% Co and 15% Co 0.6% Cr were 1.1 µg/cm(2) [standard deviation (SD) 0.4 µg/cm(2) ] and 0.7 µg/cm(2) (SD 0.5 µg/cm(2) ), respectively. More cobalt was released from hard metal discs containing 6% Co [11.4 µg/cm(2) (SD 1.2 µg/cm(2) )] than from discs containing 15% Co 0.6% Cr [4.8 µg/cm(2) (SD 0.6 µg/cm(2) )]. 10% to 15% of the potentially available cobalt was deposited on the skin during handling., Conclusions: It is likely that the cobalt deposited as a result of short and repetitive contact with hard metals may cause harm. Research regarding cobalt exposure, metal release and the deposition of skin-sensitizing metals resulting from short and repetitive contact is needed for a better understanding of the allergy risk., (© 2014 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: A spot test was recently developed for easy and rapid testing to detect whether cobalt is available on surfaces in contact with skin., Objectives: To explore the potential use of the cobalt spot test as a tool for skin dose assessment, and to verify the sensitivity under laboratory conditions., Methods: A cobalt dilution series (cobalt standards mixed with cobalt spot test reagent solution) was prepared to determine the threshold for colour change. Defined doses of cobalt were applied to the fingers of 5 volunteers. Acid wipe sampling was used to measure the recovery of applied cobalt skin doses on one hand, and cobalt-exposed areas on the other hand were spot tested., Results: A weak colour gradient was visible from approximately 1 to 1.5 µg cobalt/ml in the dilution series. For a skin dose of 0.125 µg cobalt/cm(2) , 80% of the cobalt dose was collected by acid wipe sampling. Spot tests gave positive results in all cases (n = 5)., Conclusions: The cobalt spot test can be used to show cobalt on the skin. More experience is needed to understand and describe the most suitable test conditions., (© 2013 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Nickel is the most common cause of contact allergy and an important risk factor for hand eczema. Visualization techniques may be powerful in showing exposures. The dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test might be used to establish skin exposure to nickel., Objectives: To develop and evaluate methods for visualization of nickel on the skin by the DMG test and hand imprints., Methods: Nickel solutions at different concentrations were applied in duplicate on the hands in healthy subjects (n = 5). The DMG test and acid wipe sampling for quantification were then performed. Hand imprints were taken after manipulation of nickel-releasing tools (n = 1), and in workers performing their normal tasks (n = 7). The imprints were developed by the DMG test., Results: The DMG test on hands gave positive results in all subjects. The lowest concentration giving rise to a colour change was set to 0.13 µg/cm(2) for DMG testing on skin. DMG test-developed imprints worked well except when hands were heavily contaminated by other particles/dust., Conclusions: The DMG test may be used as a simple and powerful tool for visualization of nickel on skin. DMG test-developed hand imprints may, in the future, be used for semi-quantitative or quantitative exposure assessment., (© 2011 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Background: EU legislation has reduced the epidemic of nickel contact allergy affecting the consumer, and shifted the focus towards occupational exposure. The acid wipe sampling technique was developed to quantitatively determine skin exposure to metals., Objectives: To assess the clinical usefulness of the acid wipe sampling technique as part of the diagnostic investigation for occupational nickel allergy-associated hand dermatitis., Patients and Methods: Six patients with vesicular dermatitis on the hands were included. Acid wipe sampling of skin and patch testing with a nickel sulfate dilution series were performed., Results: Nickel was detected in all samples from the hands. In all patients, the nickel content on the hands was higher than on the non-exposed control area., Conclusions: Occupational exposure to nickel-releasing items raised the nickel content on exposed skin as compared with a non-exposed control site. Nickel-reducing measures led to complete symptom relief in all cases. In cases of a positive nickel patch test reaction and hand eczema, patients should perform the dimethylglyoxime (DMG) test on metallic items at home and at work. The acid wipe sampling technique is useful for the diagnosis of occupational hand eczema following screening with the inexpensive DMG test., (© 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/S.)

Skin exposure to nickel, cobalt, and chromium may cause sensitization and allergic contact dermatitis and it is known that many alloys and platings may release significant amounts of the metals upon contact with skin. Occupational exposure to these sensitizing metals has been studied in different settings with regards to airborne dust and different biological end points, but little is known about deposition on skin from airborne dust and direct contact with materials containing the metals. In this study, skin deposition was studied in 24 workers in an industry for development and manufacturing of gas turbines and space propulsion components. The workers were employed in three departments, representing different exposure scenarios: tools sharpening of hard metal items, production of space propulsion structures, and thermal application of different metal-containing powders. A novel acid wipe sampling technique was used to sample metals from specific skin surfaces on the hands and the forehead of the workers. Total amounts of nickel, cobalt, and chromium were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The result showed that nickel, cobalt, and chromium could be detected on all skin surfaces sampled. The highest level of nickel was 15 microg cm(-2) h(-1), the highest for cobalt was 4.5 microg cm(-2) h(-1), and for chromium 0.6 microg cm(-2) h(-1). The three departments had different exposures regarding the metals. The highest levels of nickel on the skin of the workers were found in the thermal applications department, cobalt in the tools sharpening department, and chromium in the space propulsion components department. In conclusion, the workers' exposure to the metals was more likely to come from direct skin contact with items, rather than from airborne dust, based on the fact that the levels of metals were much higher on the fingers than on the back side of the hands and the forehead. The skin exposure levels of nickel and cobalt detected are judged capable to induce sensitization and elicit allergic contact dermatitis.

Background: Nickel exposure is the most common cause of contact allergy. The role of contact with nickel-containing coins has been controversial., Objectives: To compare the release of nickel from 1 and 2 EUR coins (both composed of two alloys: Cu 75%, Zn 20%, Ni 5% and Cu 75%, Ni 25%) and Swedish 1 SEK coin (alloy: Cu 75%, Ni 25%) and to assess the deposition of nickel onto skin by coin handling., Methods: Nickel release was determined by immersion in artificial sweat (2 min, 1 hr, 24 hr, and 1 week). Deposition of nickel onto the skin was assessed in three subjects after 1-hr handling of 2 EUR and 1 SEK coins. Samples (n = 48) were taken from fingers and palms by acid wipe sampling and analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry., Results: Amounts of nickel released by 1 week from 1 SEK, 1 EUR, and 2 EUR coins were 121, 86, and 99 microg/cm(2), respectively. Corresponding 2 min values were 0.11, 0.25, and 0.22 microg/cm(2). Nickel was deposited onto the skin by 1 hr coin handling (range 0.09-4.1 microg/cm(2)), the largest amounts were on fingers; similar amounts of nickel were deposited from 1 SEK and 2 EUR coins., Conclusions: Nickel is released from 1 and 2 EUR and 1 SEK coins at similar amounts. Nickel is deposited onto skin at substantial and similar amounts by coin handling. Acid wipe sampling is suitable for studies of skin exposure to nickel and in risk assessment.

Background: Nickel, chromium, and cobalt are important skin sensitizers. Better knowledge about skin exposure is needed for more efficient prevention. We have previously developed acid wipe sampling for assessment of skin exposure to metals., Objectives: To apply the acid wipe sampling technique in some occupations where intense contact with metallic items occurs and to gather experience for the design of future workplace studies., Methods: 18 volunteers (carpenters, locksmiths, cashiers, and secretaries as controls) participated. They performed their normal tasks during a job session for exposure. Samples were taken from fingers and palms by acid wipe sampling, and analysis of metals was performed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer., Results: The metals were detected in all samples, and the amount of nickel was larger than that of chromium and cobalt. Fingers were more exposed than palms. 8-h exposure to nickel was calculated and was highest in locksmiths (mean 3.784 mug/cm(2), range 1.846-5.028 mug/cm(2)) followed by carpenters, cashiers, and secretaries., Conclusions: The acid wipe sampling technique is suitable for studies of skin exposure to nickel, chromium, and cobalt in the workplace. The sampling efficiency of acid wipe sampling is high. The amounts of nickel deposited on skin in carpenters, locksmiths, and cashiers are judged capable of eliciting allergic contact dermatitis.

Airborne skin exposure to allergens and irritants may cause dermatitis. There are few methods for assessing skin exposure to airborne particles. We have modified and tested a vacuuming sampler for removing particles from the skin. The sampler was compared with two other skin and surface exposure sampling techniques. These were based on surrogate skin (a patch sampler-adhesive tape on an optical cover glass) and a tape stripping removal procedure. All three samplers measure the mass of dust on skin. Dust containing starch was deposited onto the skin in a whole-body exposure chamber. Samples were taken from forearms and shoulders and analysed using optical microscopy. With the different sampling techniques small differences in the results were obtained. Agreement between the vacuuming sampler and the tape stripping technique was good. The comparison between patch and tape stripping procedure indicated a slight overestimation for the patch. The three techniques are applicable for assessing skin exposure to particles and for dose-effect studies. The vacuuming method will be further developed and applied in workplace studies. The technique allows for dust sampling from large areas of skin.

A new whole-body exposure chamber for human skin and lung challenge offers possibilities for experimental exposure challenges carried out in clinical practice, for exposure of patients. in research and for investigations of the effects of exposure on the skin and in the respiratory tract. The chamber system can be used for both aerosols and gases. Dynamically controlled, the chamber is relatively easy to operate and to clean. Air exchange rates can be varied between 6–12/h. Initial studies with wheat flour have been carried out. The homogeneity and stability of the wheat flour aerosol concentration (the spatial and the temporal variation) inside the chamber can be kept at acceptable levels. © 1998 British Occupational Hygiene Societ Published h Elsevier Science Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]