Euro coins trigger allergic reaction . . . (Stick with US coins!)
DMWJR
Posts: 6,006 ✭✭✭✭✭
Just ran across this on the web . . . Where are all of our coin lawyers???? Why are they not all over this???
Euro coins trigger allergic reaction
Thursday, September 12, 2002
LONDON (Reuters) - Forget the effect on the economy, people themselves are allergic to the euro, according to a study in Nature magazine.
The study by scientists at the University of Zurich showed that one and two euro coins released large quantities of nickel if left in prolonged contact with the skin.
Nickel can cause serious allergic reactions including eczema, particularly in people who are sensitive to the metal.
The study enlisted the help of seven patients.
"After 48 and 72 hours with these coins fixed by transparent tape onto their skin, all seven patients showed a strong reaction with erythema, infiltration and formation of vesicles," the researchers wrote.
It said the culprit was sweat which eroded the metal in the coins and released up to 320 times the amount of nickel allowed under the European Union Nickel Directive.
However, the Nickel Development Institute promptly hit back, arguing people were unlikely to be clutching the offending euro coins for so long and that the study was therefore flawed.
"The nickel industry does not consider that normal handling and use of coins constitutes prolonged contact," it said in a statement. "Nickel is an excellent practical coinage material which has been used for more than a century."
Britons are deeply suspicious of the euro which replaced national currencies in the pockets of citizens of 12 of the European Union's 15 member states in January 2002.
Britain did not join, and the ruling Labour Party has promised to hold a referendum on whether to adopt the euro if a series of key economic tests are met.
Euro coins trigger allergic reaction
Thursday, September 12, 2002
LONDON (Reuters) - Forget the effect on the economy, people themselves are allergic to the euro, according to a study in Nature magazine.
The study by scientists at the University of Zurich showed that one and two euro coins released large quantities of nickel if left in prolonged contact with the skin.
Nickel can cause serious allergic reactions including eczema, particularly in people who are sensitive to the metal.
The study enlisted the help of seven patients.
"After 48 and 72 hours with these coins fixed by transparent tape onto their skin, all seven patients showed a strong reaction with erythema, infiltration and formation of vesicles," the researchers wrote.
It said the culprit was sweat which eroded the metal in the coins and released up to 320 times the amount of nickel allowed under the European Union Nickel Directive.
However, the Nickel Development Institute promptly hit back, arguing people were unlikely to be clutching the offending euro coins for so long and that the study was therefore flawed.
"The nickel industry does not consider that normal handling and use of coins constitutes prolonged contact," it said in a statement. "Nickel is an excellent practical coinage material which has been used for more than a century."
Britons are deeply suspicious of the euro which replaced national currencies in the pockets of citizens of 12 of the European Union's 15 member states in January 2002.
Britain did not join, and the ruling Labour Party has promised to hold a referendum on whether to adopt the euro if a series of key economic tests are met.
Doug
0
Comments
I thought this whole thing was hilarous. Probably some junkie said "duh . . maybe if I tape some nickels on my fingers I'll get high!" Somebody's always looking for new ways . . .
Didn't know there was a "Nickel Development Institute" either!!!!
I wish I hadn't thought of this...but I wonder what part of their body they taped these coins too. They suggest the reaction is enhanced by sweat, so I'm sitting here wondering if they taped these things to the sweatiest part of the body...which is clearly a scary thought. I understand across the pond it may not be that big a deal to go unbathed or unshowered for 3 days, but hopefully remedial measures in the form of standard hygiene may mitigate the nasty reactions.
Greg Hansen
Melbourne, FL
Greg Hansen, Melbourne, FL Click here for any current EBAY auctions Multiple "Circle of Trust" transactions over 14 years on forum
I think I'll just stick to collecting toxic silver . . .