WRITTEN QUESTION E-2687/02

by Mario Borghezio (NI) to the Commission

(26 September 2002)

Subject: Toxicity of EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins

According to a report published recently by the British scientific Journal Nature, the EUR 1 and EUR 2 coins release a quantity of nickel between 240 and 320 times higher than the ceiling laid down by European Directive 94/27/EC(1).

The allergic nature of nickel, which can irritate the human skin, and its toxic metallic properties for the liver, kidneys and brain are causing concern among scientists who have carried out experiments taping the coins to the skin of volunteers, with worrying results.

As the Commission not consider that these coins should be replaced as a matter of urgency with EUR 1 and EUR 2 notes?

(1) OJ L 188, 22.7.1994, p. 1.

Answer given by Mr Solbes Mira on behalf of the Commission

(25 October 2002)

The conclusions drawn in the article referred to in the question tabled by the Honourable Member are misleading, because the Parliament and Council Directive 94/27/EC of 30 June 1994 amending for the 12th time 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 preparation, hereafter 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 1- and 2- euro coins to the skin of patients with a known nickel allergy for 48-72 hours. These conditions clearly do not reflect the normal conditions under which coins are used.

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 1 and 2 euro coins. 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.

Consequently, there is no need to evaluate again the denominations chosen for the euro banknotes and coins, which regarding the coins have been laid down in Council Regulation (EC) No 975/98 of 3 May 1998 on denominations and technical specifications of euro coins intended for circulation(1).

(1) OJ L 139, 11.5.1998.