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1793377 
Journal Article 
Nickel allergy and wrist strap to dissipate static electricity 
Widström, L; Bergström, B; Wennerholm, C 
1986 
Yes 
Contact Dermatitis
ISSN: 0105-1873
EISSN: 1600-0536 
NIOSH/00168049 
15 
5 
299-301 
English 
2949930 
WOS:A1986F316800010 
Cases of nickel (7440020) allergy from wrist straps were described. Stainless steel wrist straps were given to about 300 circuit board assemblers and testers at an electronics factory in Sweden. The wrist strips were worn to dissipate static electricity resulting from electrostatic charging of the workers. Nine female workers developed contact dermatitis under the metal plate of the strap. Three were examined at a dermatologic clinic. All had a classic history of nickel allergy. Epicutaneous tests showed positive reactions to nickel-sulfate (7786814) and cobalt-chloride (7646799). When tested with dimethylglyoxime, the strap components showed a negative response. The strap components were leached with synthetic sweat for 24 hours at room temperature. The leaching solutions were analyzed for nickel by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The steel plate and rivet of the strap both released nickel, the plate 0.02 micrograms per cubic centimeter (microg/cc) and the rivet 0.20microg/cc. The authors note that the factory has stopped distributing the wrist straps to its employees. The manufacturer of the wrist strap is currently developing a modified version.