Nickel May be Released from Laptop Computers – Article Review
Original article: HERE
Jensen P, Jellesen MS, Møller P, Johansen JD, Liden C, Menne T, Thyssen J P, Nickel May be Released from Laptop Computers
Review by Jin Yang, MSI, Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Prolonged and repeated skin contact to items that release nickel result in consumer nickel sensitization and subsequent nickel-allergic contact dermatitis. Laptops are widely used and often for a prolonged time. Jensen et al found nickel release from Apple laptops, raising concern for nickel sensitization and allergic dermatitis from laptop computer devices. The Jenseni et al article highlights:
- Nickel release was tested by dimethylglyoxime (DMG) from 20 randomly selected Apple laptops in Denmark.
- Nickel was detected from the top and the bottom of 1/3 of the investigated devices and from all the computer mice.
- No nickel was released from the hand resting area.
- In general electronic devices provide a substantial exposure to nickel contact for the general population.
iJensen P., Jellesen M.S., Møller P., Johansen J.D., Liden C., Menne T., Thyssen J. P., Nickel may be Released from Laptop Computers
With nickel sensitization and subsequent contact dermatitis so prevalent, it’s important to be aware of common sources of exposure. Nickel is unavoidable, but identifying common sources can help limit reactions.