Smartphones Are Reservoirs of Allergens According to New Research

A new study being presented at this year’s American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Annual Scientific Meeting in Louisville, KY, showed elevated levels of cat and dog allergens, as well as β-D glucans (BDG) and endotoxin on simulated phone models.

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

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

“Combination chlorhexidine/cetylpyridinium was the most effective in reducing BDG and endotoxin and combination benzyl benzoate/tannic acid most effectively reduced cat and dog allergens on smartphones,” says Peter Thorne, PhD, professor in the University of Iowa Department of Public Health and co-author of the study. “The study demonstrates exposure to inhalant allergens and molecules that trigger innate immune reactions from a source most people haven’t considered. If you have allergies or asthma, you may want to think about cleaning your smartphone more often to minimize exposure to these allergens and asthma triggers.”

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Sources:

H. Ruran, L. Tourigny, P. Thorne, N. Metwali. Innovative Compounds to Reduce β-D glucans, Endotoxin, and Allergens Newly Discovered on Smartphones. Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 2022; 129 (5): S21 DOI: 10.1016/j.anai.2022.08.565

American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. “Smartphones are reservoirs of allergens according to new research: Certain cleaning compounds work best in ridding smartphones of allergens.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 10 November 2022. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221110101807.htm>.

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