"The purpose of the Ordinance is to protect human health from the adverse effects resulting from the contamination of water intended for human consumption by ensuring its fitness for human consumption and purity [...]". (§1 TrinkwV)
Drinking water is our most important food. For us, this is a yardstick and an incentive to handle it carefully and not to endanger the quality of drinking water with unsuitable materials.
The positive list recently published by the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) was developed as a concept by four EU member states (4MS concept). It applies to the states: Germany, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Other EU states have joined the concept in modified form (e.g. Portugal). Calculated from the notification by the UBA, a transitional period of 24 months applies until all production materials have to be adapted to the list and all old stockpiles have to be cleaned up.
Since this positive list is not static but will probably be updated continuously, one can continue to expect changes and innovations here.
Nickel is an invisible danger and very often triggers allergies. The skin reacts, itches, burns and turns red. But very high concentrations can also cause intestinal problems or even trigger brain damage.
Nickel usually enters the human body through contact with nickel-containing materials (e.g. jewellery) or through drinking water and food.
Allergists estimate that in Germany about 11% of women and 6% of men suffer from nickel sensitivity. About one in 5 nickel allergy sufferers are estimated to be so sensitive that they also react to nickel in food and drinking water.