For most diseases and maladies, science has an explanation, whether they can be cured or not. Among the most recent discoveries by medical researchers is that the nickel used in early versions of the Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPad can cause a rash.

The research journal Pediatrics published a study by Sharon E. Jacob, M.D., and Shehla Admani, M.D., titled “iPad — Increasing Nickel Exposure in Children.” The paper’s authors write that the iPad is a “potential source of nickel exposure in children,” which leaves the door ajar for the fact that the tablet may not be a cause. The researchers offered a solution:

Patients should be instructed to test the case or cover for nickel before purchase and to select one that is nickel-free.

The solution works well for people who regularly carry nickel-testing kits.

Apple tried to cast doubt on the research’s conclusion and countered that its experts:

… found that allergies like the one reported in this case are extremely rare. Apple products are made from the highest quality materials and meet the same strict standards set for jewelry by both the U.S. Consumer Safety Product Commission and their counterparts in Europe.

The government ought to decide which products cause rashes and which do not. Academician conclusions do not qualify.

Eventually, Apple will have to address the problem more forcefully. The solution may be expensive. The huge consumer electronics company may have to put nickel testing devices in all of its stores, as may other retailers that sell the iPad. At even greater expense, it may have to send testing devices to people who buy the iPad online.

Alternatively, Apple could build a metal-free iPad. That will work until some expert finds that allergies to plastic can cause rashes.

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