Nickel Allergy and Musical Instruments - this may not be music to your ears!

Another place nickel is found but not routinely considered is in musical instruments.

Metal instruments and their parts/pieces may contain nickel or have nickel plating.

For example, most student-grade model flutes are made with nickel. The higher grade flutes tend to be made of silver which may still contain nickel.

To limit exposure to nickel, ask prior to purchasing if the instrument contains nickel, nickel plate, or copper/nickel alloy in the areas that will be in prolonged contact with the skin. If unsure, test items with Nickel Alert®  prior to purchase.

Consider testing: Keys, mouthpieces, guitar and cello strings, and tuners. Test items that you are in direct contact with for a long period of time. Wash mouthpieces after testing.

Perspiration from heat and humidity aid the transfer of nickel salts—the true culprit of nickel allergy—and increases the symptoms of the allergy.