Euro coins spark allergic reaction, say doctors

Doctors say the new Euro coins have levels of nickel which could result in allergic reactions for millions of people.

They claim to be shocked to find the one-euro and two-euro coins contain 25% nickel, which many people find allergic.

It had been hoped mint officials would use the currency change to ensure lower levels of nickel were present in coins.

People who have to handle the money regularly, such as shop assistants and bank clerks, are particularly at risk from nickel allergy, says the German Allergy Doctors' Association.

President Professor Thomas Fuchs said: "Nickel allergies are the number one contact allergy in the world. I really do not understand why the coins have so much nickel in them.

"Many silver-coloured coins already have around this level of nickel in them, and people often suffer allergic reactions from them.

"The politicians had a once-in-a-lifetime chance to change things and get rid of the nickel altogether, or at least to reduce it. I cannot understand why they did not take that chance."

Professor Fuchs said on average one in 10 cases of allergies were caused by nickel, with women more prone to the condition than men.

Dr Rainald Martys, from Empress Elisabeth Hospital in Vienna, said: "It is a common problem with jewellery so I do not know why they have made this move with the coins. Nickel when it is in contact with the skin can also lead to painful eczema."

The new currency is due to be introduced to general use in ten European Union countries in 2002.