Chromium(VI) release from leather and metals can be detected with a diphenylcarbazide spot test. (27th April 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bregnbak, David; Johansen, Jeanne D.; Jellesen, Morten S.; Zachariae, Claus; Thyssen, Jacob P.
• Is Part Of: Contact dermatitis. Volume 73:Number 5(2015:Nov.)
• Page Start: 281
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2015-04-27
• Subjects: Contact dermatitis -- Periodicals; 616.51
• DOI: 10.1111/cod.12406
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0105-1873

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="cod12406-abs-0001"> <title>Summary</title> <sec id="cod12406-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Background</title> <p id="cod12406-para-0001">Along with chromium, nickel and cobalt are the clinically most important metal allergens. However, unlike for nickel and cobalt, there is no validated colorimetric spot test that detects chromium. Such a test could help both clinicians and their patients with chromium dermatitis to identify culprit exposures.</p> </sec> <sec id="cod12406-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p id="cod12406-para-0002">To evaluate the use of diphenylcarbazide (DPC) as a spot test reagent for the identification of chromium(VI) release.</p> </sec> <sec id="cod12406-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p id="cod12406-para-0003">A colorimetric chromium(VI) spot test based on DPC was prepared and used on different items from small market surveys.</p> </sec> <sec id="cod12406-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p id="cod12406-para-0004">The DPC spot test was able to identify chromium(VI) release at 0.5 ppm without interference from other pure metals, alloys, or leather. A market survey using the test showed no chromium(VI) release from work tools (0/100). However, chromium(VI) release from metal screws (7/60), one earring (1/50), leather shoes (4/100) and leather gloves (6/11) was observed. We found no false‐positive test reactions. Confirmatory testing was performed with X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) and spectrophotometrically on extraction fluids.</p> </sec> <sec id="cod12406-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p id="cod12406-para-0005">The use of DPC as a colorimetric spot test reagent appears to be a good and valid test method for detecting the release of chromium(VI) ions from leather and metal articles. The spot test has the potential to become a valuable screening tool.</p> </sec> </abstract>