Enquête multicentrique relative à la fréquence des tests épicutanés positifs au mercure et au thiomersal.

A multicentric study concerning the frequency of positive allergic patch test reactions to mercury and to thiomersal has been conducted in France and in Belgium among 2,000 adult patients submitted to routine patch testing. 73 (3.6 p. 100) patients had a positive patch test to mercury and 47 (2.3 p. 100) to thiomersal, 22 (1.1 p. 100) reacted positively to both mercurials. These high figures are most probably in relation with a broad use of mercurials in both countries, as antiseptics as well as preservative agents in topical drugs. They lead to a careful use of mercurials, which have to be avoided when they can be advantageously replaced by other antiseptics or preservative agents. As far as cosmetics are concerned, the use of mercurials (chemical nature and concentration) is restricted by a Recommendation of the European Council

Eau de Javel and prevention of chromate allergy in France.

"Eau de Javel" (liquid bleach) is a common cause of chromate contact allergy. A historical review explains the reasons for the addition of sodium dichromate after the First World War. The chromium content in different brands of eau de Javel has been determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results indicate that the chromium content is very low (0.03--3.65 mg/l) in French brands, whereas it is still important (7.06--82.9 mg/l) in Belgian brands, such an observation indicates that the almost complete removal of chromate in most brands of French eaux de Javel is a good example of prevention in the field of contact dermato-alllergology