Nickel release from metal tools in United States barbershops

Abstract

Background Hairdressers and barbers are among the top occupations to develop occupationally related nickel allergy. While nickel release has previously been detected in metal items in the hairdressing trade, metal items in the barber trade have not been specifically tested. This study screened for nickel release from metal tools in United States barber trade.Methods One hundred ninety-two metal tools from 12 barbershops in St. Paul, Minnesota, were tested with dimethylglyoxime test. An employee survey was conducted about each metal tool. Results Nickel release was detected in 10 of 192 metal tools (5.2%). Items with nickel release included one of 57 scissors (1.7%), one of 32 trimmers (3.1%), four of 13 barbershop chairs (30.8%), three of six cape clips, and one of one nail clippers.Conclusions Nickel release was detected in items unique to the barber trade. These items should be considered when preventing and assessing occupational nickel allergy in barbers. Hair clips, tail combs, tweezers 21/229 9.2 Symanzik et al. 2021 8 Scissors, hair sectioning clip, hair clip, hair rollers, tail combs, tweezers, straight razors, whisks, hand showers, crochet hooks Hair clips, hair sectioning clips, tail combs, tweezers, straight razors, crochet hooks 131/475 27.6 Present study Scissors, trimmer, clipper, razors, barbershop chairs, tweezers, shavers, airbrushes, cape clips, combs, lancets, nail clipper, easel, hair dryer Scissors, trimmers, barbershop chairs, cape clips, nail clippers 10/192 5.2 DMG, dimethylglyoxime.

Nickel release from hairdressing tools in the United States

“…Our study identified nickel in trimmers, curling irons, clippers, hair clips, texturizing shears, and trimming shears/scissors. Similarly, nickel has been found in scissors, trimmers, chairs, cape clips, and nail clippers in Minnesota 28 ; tail combs, sectioning clips, tweezers, straight razors, crochet hooks, and hair clips in Germany 29,30 ; and scissors and crochet hooks in Denmark 19 …”

“…Salons and individuals with over‐the‐counter (OTC) tools in two types of geographic areas—rural (i.e., New Hampshire) and urban (i.e., Los Angeles and New York City) were eligible to participate. The goal sample size was 7–18 as that was the range in similar previously published studies 28–31 . Eligible entities, preferably owners or managers, were randomly approached regarding the goals and methods of this study.…”

“…The goal sample size was 7-18 as that was the range in similar previously published studies. [28][29][30][31] Eligible entities, preferably owners or managers, were randomly approached regarding the goals and methods of this study. Those who consented were asked to display all the available hand-held tools containing metal that they use for hairdressing and were specifically enquired regarding blow dryers, clippers, crochet hooks, hair clips, hair rollers, handheld showerhead, tail comb, texturizing shears, trimmers, and trimming shears/scissors as these items were included in similar previously published studies.…”

“…Those who consented were asked to display all the available hand-held tools containing metal that they use for hairdressing and were specifically enquired regarding blow dryers, clippers, crochet hooks, hair clips, hair rollers, handheld showerhead, tail comb, texturizing shears, trimmers, and trimming shears/scissors as these items were included in similar previously published studies. 19,[28][29][30][31] The metallic parts of each tool were tested. Additionally, data on salon location, target customers, and tool cost were recorded.…”

“…A DMG test (Nickel Allergy Spot Test; Smart Practice, Arizona) was used to detect nickel release. Its utility in detecting the presence nickel in products has been reported in the United States, [26][27][28] Denmark, 19,27 Germany, [29][30][31] and Brazil. 32 The swab was rubbed firmly in a circle over an area of 1 cm  1 cm for 20-30 s. If free nickel ions were present to chelate with DMG, then a pink or red precipitate appeared on the wet area of the swab and tool (Figure 1).…”