Source: EURLEX
Language: en
Format: md

[**Avis juridique important**](../../../editorial/legal_notice.htm)

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# 92002E2775

**WRITTEN QUESTION E-2775/02 by Juan Naranjo Escobar (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Allergic reactions to EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins.** 
  
*Official Journal 161 E , 10/07/2003 P. 0037 - 0038*

  

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2775/02

by Juan Naranjo Escobar (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(3 October 2002)

Subject: Allergic reactions to EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins

On 12 September this year the magazine Nature published an article based on a study, carried out by the dermatology department of Zurich University, confirming that EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins can cause a rash when in contact with human sweat.

Since the euro first came into circulation there have been many reports in the media that the nickel used to make the EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins can produce allergic reactions on contact with skin and sweat.

In view of these reports the Commission, in a press report published on 11 January last, expressed doubts as to whether possible allergies were caused by the new coins, arguing that the nickel they contain was not on the surface and therefore did not come into contact with the skin. At the same time it suggested that allergies might be caused by the nickel in the coins of the national currencies which at the time were in circulation together with the euro.

These arguments were subsequently reflected in the Commission's answer to Parliament's Written Question E-0851/02(1) of 28 May.

What view does the Commission take of the Zurich University study?

Does it consider, in view of the information available to date, that specific scientific research should be carried out on the possible health consequences for those engaged in occupations entailing frequent contact with these coins?

What measures is the Commission considering taking to reassure public opinion, in particular the sections of the population most affected?

(1) OJ C 28 E, 6.2.2003, p. 54.

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(7 November 2002)

This conclusion drawn by the authors of the study in question is misleading, as 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 to revise its opinion concerning the use of nickel in euro coins. The Commission still holds the view that the normal use of euro coins does not represent a risk for European citizens.

The Commission will follow-up all new scientific findings and technological developments in this particular area; however it does not intend to conduct additional scientific research.

The introduction of the euro coins reduced the share of coins in circulation containing nickel from 75 % to 14 %. 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. 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 1- and 2 euro coins is significantly lower than from the national coins used prior to the introduction of the euro.

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