The Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has tested mobile phones for the allergy inducer nickel. The study includes 80 mobiles, 20 were tested and five mobiles in this test release too much nickel. The results have previously been published in the Danish press at a time where the results were still in consultation with manufacturers of the phones. The hearing has now been completed. The responses from the producers did not result in a revision of the EPA’s test results.
The survey shows The survey shows that five different models of mobile phones release more nickel than the limit value on 0.5 micro g/cm2/week which is laid down in the EU directive. The mobile phones are from four different manufacturers. The manufacturers have informed the EPA that they are in the process of phasing out nickel in the surface of mobiles phones. Some manufacturers also replace the models or that part of the phone which releases too much nickel.
The EPA knows from the Danish National Allergy Research Centre that there have been a limited number of cases of eczema from mobiles in Denmark. However, the Centre also expects that there may be more unknown cases. Eczema typically appears by the ear and on the cheek but it can spread if the exposure to nickel is not stopped.
This autumn the Chemicals Inspection under the Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a follow-up campaign on mobile phones sold on the Danish market. The inspection will investigate whether the mobiles release too much nickel according to the legislation.
EPA has a number of tips for you regarding nickel and mobiles: • Request mobiles which do not release nickel • Test your mobile phone with a nickel test bought at the pharmacy or a chemical supplier. If the cotton bud turns red, the phone releases too much nickel • Use headset to avoid skin contact • Stop using the mobile phone if your skin becomes red or irritated
Read the report from the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (in danish). http://www.mst.dk/Udgivelser/Publikationer/2009/06/978-87-7052-997-6.htm
Read the manufacturers' policies on nickel: LG Electronics (in Danish, on lgservice.se)
Nokia (on nokia.com) Nokia has presented their own test results of the models 6300 and E65 from an accredited laboratory.
Samsung (pdf, in Danish, on samsung.com)
Sony Ericsson (on sonyericsson.com)
Background Facts
About nickel Nickel is a metal which is used in many of the things we handle in our daily lives such as coins, tools, paper clips and keys. As we have only short-term skin contact with most objects they do not induce allergy. In order to develop nickel allergy prolonged skin contact should usually occur. Nickel allergy has traditionally been caused by for example jewellery, zippers, watches and glasses. Also using of mobile phones has shown ability to induce nickel allergy.
Whatever the reason for developing nickel allergy the allergy shows as eczema which is redness, rash, blistering and possibly ulcers in the skin. Nickel eczema starts where there is skin contact with a nickel-containing object. If you have eczema after contact with a product containing nickel it is important that you stop using the product. A continuous exposure to nickel, even in smaller areas like buttons and jewellery, can result in a long-term increased risk of persistent and severe eczema problems.
About legislation Until now the release of nickel has been regulated by the nickel directive through the Danish nickel regulation. The legislation have now been transferred to the EU chemicals regulation REACH. The regulation defines the amount of nickel allowed to be released from products that are intended to come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin. In December the EU Commission made clear that the nickel rules also apply to mobile phones. This was established on behalf of a Danish enquiry.
You can read more about the nickel on the EPA website (in danish): http://www.mst.dk/Dig_og_miljoet/Groenne_tips/Gronne_tips_nikkel.htm http://www.mst.dk/Kemikalier/Nyheder+kemikalier/nikkel_og_mobiltelefoner.htm http://www.mst.dk/Kemikalier/Regulering+og+regler/Faktaark+om+kemikaliereglerne/Nikkel.htm