Eau de Javel and prevention of chromate allergy in France

Abstract

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 1st World War. The Cr content in different brands of eau de Javel was determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The Cr content was very low (0.03-3.65 mg/l) in French brands, while it was high (7.06-82.9 mg/l) in Belgian brands. The almost complete removal of Cr in most brands of French eaux de Javel is a good example of prevention in the field of contact dermato-allergology.