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Nickel-chrome Plating and Electroless Nickel Safe for Skin Contact?

February 20, 2015

Dear,

I was wondering if these treatments are suitable for skin contact:

- Electro Nickel covered by Chrome

- Electroless Nickel with Phosphorus

Regards

Thibaut DEVERAUX
- THIERS, AUVERGNE, FRANCE

February 22, 2015

A. Sir:

My personal experience with nickel indicates that it is not okay for skin contact. Several years ago I bought a pair of glasses with metal frames that had nickel in them and from my ears to about halfway to the front of my face my skin bubbled up with running sores. I tried painting the frames but nothing helped. After I bought nickel-free metal frames the sores took a few weeks to heal and I have not had a problem since.

Regards,

Dr. Thomas H. Cook
Galvanizing Consultant - Hot Springs, South Dakota, USA

A. Contact with nickel is not a problem for most people, but some are extremely allergic, as Dr. Cook states.

Even the nickel in stainless steel alloys can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

So, as a general answer, no nickel at all for skin contact.

Jeffrey Holmes, CEF
Spartanburg, South Carolina
February 23, 2015

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