Assay Office

MY ANCHORCERT

EXPERT ANALYSIS ACROSS A RANGE OF SECTORS

Go to...

Submit a Sample
for Testing

Research and
Consultancy

The technical director of Assay Office Birmingham’s AnchorCert Analytical Laboratory has been sharing the organisation’s expertise at a dedicated nickel workshop, with the aim of discovering more about nickel sensitivity in consumers.

Dippal Manchanda was chosen by The Nickel Institute as a key speaker at its recent meet-up, which included presentations, an overview of current legislation and reports from toxicologists and dermatologists about the impact of nickel – especially as multiple piercings continues to be a trend.

Restrictions on nickel have been in place in the EU since 1995, when the extent of the damage to human health caused by sensitisation to nickel was identified.

Dermatologists later called for measures to be taken to restrict nickel release in jewellery and other items that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.

Dippal Manchanda said: “I was honoured to be invited to address this global audience, which included eminent nickel experts from all over the world. Many years of thorough research at AnchorCert Analytical has helped us to really understand the factors that impact nickel release, and I was pleased to be able to share this important knowledge. As a result of ongoing research and international collaboration, The Nickel Institute is hugely better informed than it was a decade ago and together we can significantly reduce the risk of nickel allergies, which can be totally disabling in their most extreme form.”

AnchorCert Analytical has done significant research into the impact of nickel, with findings suggesting that current methods of testing can be affected by surface finish, cracks and porosity in the plating and metallurgical treatments such as annealing. Current advice suggest the only way a supply chain can be sure that products do not release nickel is to produce and use nickel-free alloys.

Manchanda added: “For a research-driven chemist like myself this was a great opportunity. It is always good to discuss technical research with like- minded people and the sharing of our knowledge and ideas was very productive. The Nickel Institute delivered a worthwhile and high quality event and I am grateful that I was invited to contribute on behalf of AnchorCert Analytical.”