Smartphones are a storehouse of allergies

Louisville, KY (November 10, 2022) According to the 2018 US Census, 85% of US households have smart phones. They are reportedly seen up to 14 million times a day, making them a potential receptacle for environmental hazards such as allergies. A new study being presented at this year’s annual scientific meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) in Louisville, KY, shows elevated levels of cat and dog allergies, as well as b-D glucans (BDG) and endotoxins on fake phone models.

“Smartphones showed elevated and variable levels of BDG and endotoxin, and cat and dog allergies were found on pet owners’ smartphones,” says study lead author Hana Ruran. “BDG is found in fungal cell walls and in many environments and surfaces that cause chronic airway and irritant symptoms – making BDG a consistent marker to study problematic mold. Endotoxin is a potent inflammatory agent and is a marker of exposure to Gram negative bacteria.”

The researchers created phone models that had the same shape and surface as a real phone, and as part of the test, the front surface of the phone model was erased. Electrostatic wipes (ESW) were used to sample simulated phone models from 15 volunteers and then the “phones” were measured for allergen, BDG and endotoxin levels.

The chemicals used in the mixing solution for cleaning (chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, tannic acid, and benzyl benzoate) can be purchased from a laboratory or through chemical suppliers, but are not commercially available in the same concentrations used in the study. . Isopropyl alcohol wipes were also tested for their cleaning properties.

“The combination chlorhexidine/cetylpyridinium was most effective in reducing BDG and endotoxin and the combination benzyl benzoate/tannic acid reduced cat and dog allergies most effectively on a smartphone,” says Peter Thorne, PhD, University of Iowa Department of the Public Health & Co. -The author of the study. “Studies show exposure to inhalant allergens and molecules that trigger innate immune responses from a source that most people have not considered. If you have allergies or asthma, you may be able to reduce your risk of these allergy and asthma triggers.” Think about cleaning your smartphone more often.

Abstract Title: Innovative compound to reduce b-D glucans, endotoxins, and allergens newly discovered on smartphones

Presenter: Hana Rurani

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About the ACAAI

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