Nickel and Cobalt Release From Hairdressing Tools in German Barbershops.

BACKGROUND

Nickel and cobalt release from tools has recently been evidenced in German hairdressing salons. Comparable data were not available for German barbershops.

OBJECTIVES

Screening of tools for nickel and cobalt release.

METHODS/MATERIALS: One hundred and forty-one tools were tested in six barbershops located in Lower Saxony, Germany. A nickel spot test (reagent: dimethylglyoxime [CAS no. 95-45-4]) and a cobalt spot test (reagent: nitroso-r salt [disodium-1-nitroso-2-naphthol-3,6-disulphonate; CAS no. 525-05-03]) were used.

RESULTS

35 of 141 tools overall (24.8%) released nickel and 3 of 141 tools overall (2.1%) released cobalt. Nickel release was found in 10 of 57 hair clippers, 9 of 13 tweezers, 8 of 11 sectioning clips, 3 of 14 straight shavers, 2 of 32 scissors, 2 of 4 tail combs and 1 of 2 shaving brushes. Cobalt release was detected in 2 of 14 straight shavers and 1 of 11 sectioning clips.

CONCLUSIONS

Tools in German barbershops have been identified as occupational sources of nickel and cobalt exposure. Nickel release was observed more frequently. Therefore, it is recommended that compliance with the EU nickel regulation is observed more strictly. In addition, the importance of measures to protect the skin at work should be communicated to barbers, e.g., within health pedagogical measures.