Denmark: Jewelery and toys emit too much nickel

Despite widespread awareness that nickel may trigger skin allergies, the metal is often found in items that come into direct contact with human skin. An allergy's likelihood depends on how much nickel is actually absorbed by the skin. This is why some of these items are coated to prevent or significantly lessen nickel leakage. The Environmental Protection Agency of Denmark has conducted extensive research on the performance and longevity of these paints.

The Danish Environmental Protection Agency initiated this study to better understand the coatings used on widely available, low-priced consumer goods and evaluate how well they limit nickel release from nickel-containing goods. Danish, European, and non-European retailers were surveyed for their piercing jewellery, toys, and studs.