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Nickel is the most common contact sensitizer in the female population. The aim of the present study was to examine closely the surface of both used and unused gold-plated earrings by scanning electron microscopy, and to ascertain the distribution of nickel on the surface of these earrings qualitatively and quantitatively by X-ray microanalysis. The claps of 4 sets of used earrings causing nickel dermatitis and of the 3 sets of unused earrings were examined. In backscattered electron images obtained by scanning electron microscopy, a large number of scratches and pits were found on the surface of the used earrings. Cross-sections of the surfaces confirmed that the gold plating was defective in some areas, exposing the nickel. Nickel was readily detected and quantitatively determined in the scratches and pits by X-ray microanalysis. We also found that, even in unused earrings, numerous scratch marks and pits were present, again exposing the nickel. Clearly, even in unused earrings, nickel exposed at the surface sensitizes the skin and causes contact dermatitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Nickel Directive will become Iaw in the countries of the European Union in 1996. This directive states that the concentration of nickel in post assemblies (used after ear piercing) may not exceed 0.05%, that products which come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin. e.g. earrings. watchstraps or zippers, may not release greater than 0.5 μg/cm[sup2]/week, and that nickel release from coated products will not exceed this level of 2 years of normal use. The data relating to the threshold for reacting to nickel and the levels of nickel release from nickel-containing objects are considered in this review. Although the level of 0.5 μg/cm[sup2]/week is one below which a minority of nickel-allergic subjects will react, it is not safe in every nickel-sensitive individual. This level of nickel release is currently exceeded by many nickel-containing alloys and jewellery items that are made from high-sulfur stainless steel, and manufacturers are going to change the composition of jewellery to comply with the directive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The contents of methyl-, ethyl-, propyl-, butyl- and benzylparaben in 215 cosmetic products have been determined to elucidate the concentration and frequency of use of these parabens in cosmetic products, and to monitor whether the products complied with the Danish and EEC regulations. The results showed that 77% of the products investigated contained 0.01%-0.87% parabens. Nearly all (99%) of the leave-on cosmetics and 77% of rinse-off cosmetics were found to contain parabens. A maximum of 0.32% methyl- and propylparaben, 0.19% ethylparaben, and 0.07% butyl- and benzylparaben were present in paraben-positive cosmetics. A preferential use of methyl-/ethyl-/propyl-/butyl-/benzylparaben in various groups of cosmetic products was revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To conduct a review of the legislative mechanisms potentially available to protect the social participation rights of people with depression in the Asia Pacific region.Methods:Questions were sent to the SEBoD International Advisory Board and Internet and legal database searches were conducted to supplement responses from advisors.Results:While it cannot be said that comprehensive antidiscrimination legislation in relation to disability exists in all countries in the Asia Pacific region, most countries have commenced the process. Many have implemented either human rights or antidiscrimination legislation and most have set up a Human Rights Commission to protect social participation rights and allow complaints to be lodged.Conclusions:This review highlighted the difference between legislation and practice. While many countries have enacted laws, insufficient resources have been committed to support the objectives to realise the protection of rights enshrined in legislation. Additionally, many people may not know that the laws exist or do not have the money or social supports to fight for their rights. Many countries, however, have commenced a concerted approach to tackling the larger issues and have developed comprehensive action plans to address the social participation rights of people with disability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]