WRITTEN QUESTION E-2716/02 by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission. Nickel and the euro.
Date: 2002-09-26
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: allergy, dangerous substance, euro, health risk, money, nickel

3.7.2003

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 155 E/45

(2003/C 155 E/051)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2716/02

by Cristiana Muscardini (UEN) to the Commission

(26 September 2002)

Subject: Nickel and the euro

The journal ‘Nature’ has published a study by the University of Zurich revealing that EUR 1 and EUR 2
coins may contain levels of nickel 240 to 320 times greater than the limits allowed under European law.
Apparently, sweat on the hands may produce a reaction which affects the alloy and causes allergies.

1. Will the Commission say whether this information is correct?

If so, does it intend to amend the relevant directive or declare illegal the two coins which fail to

2.
comply with it?

3. What steps will it take to prevent the spread of a further allergy among Union citizens?

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2002)

The Commission can confirm that a new study was published in the magazine ‘Nature’ on 12 September
2002, in which scientists from the University of Zurich claim that the release of nickel from bi-colour euro
coins can be up to 240-320 times the limit stipulated by Directive 94/27/EC of the Parliament and of the
Council, of 30 June 1994 (hereafter
‘Nickel Directive’) amending Directive 76/769/EEC on the
approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member States relating to
restrictions on the marketing and use of certain dangerous substances and preparations (1).

This conclusion drawn by the authors is misleading, because the Nickel Directive refers to objects that
come into direct and prolonged contact with the human skin, such as jewellery or wristwatches. This
Directive does not cover coins. Secondly, the results were generated by sticking EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins to
the skin of patients with a known nickel allergy for 48-72 hours. After this period they showed an allergic
reaction. As these conditions clearly do not reflect the normal use of the euro coins, the Commission does
not see the need for action either with regard to the euro coins or with regard to the Nickel Directive.

The recent publication does not change the Commission’s view that the normal use of euro coins does not
represent a risk for European citizens. The Commission is not aware of any particular cases of patients
suffering from nickel allergy which can be traced back to the handling or use of EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins
coins. Additionally, there is no scientific evidence of a recent increase in nickel allergies among European
citizens.

These conclusions were confirmed by a recent independent study, which showed that the amount of nickel
released from the EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins is significantly lower than from the national coins used prior to
the introduction of the euro.

(1) OJ L 188, 22.7.1994.

(2003/C 155 E/052)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2739/02

by Emmanouil Bakopoulos (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

Subject: Variations in the price of cars in the EU

(30 September 2002)

In its report on the price of cars in the European Union, the Commission noted the consistent variation in
the price of new cars. The Commission’s study shows that Greece is one of the most competitive Member