Smartphones showed elevated and variable concentrations of β-D-glucans and endotoxins. Cat and dog allergens have also been found on smartphones of pet owners, Hannah Rouran told the annual American Conference on Allergy. β-D-glucans are found in the cell walls of fungi and are an indication of the presence of formed molds. Endotoxins can cause severe inflammation and originate from bacteria.
Mr. Dr. Peter Thorne of the University of Iowa concluded the findings: “If you suffer from allergies or asthma, you should consider cleaning your smartphone more frequently to reduce exposure to these allergens and asthma.” The research team also offers tips on what to do with: A combination of chlorhexidine and cetylpyridinium has been found to work best for removing beta-D-glucans and endotoxins from organs. The combination of benzyl benzoate and tannic acids worked best against both cat and dog allergens.
The researchers had made phone models with a size and finish similar to smartphones, which 15 volunteers took and used to simulate using a smartphone. Using electrostatic wipes, they took samples from the “phones” to test for known allergens, beta-D-glucans and endotoxins.
Which: DOI 10.1016/j.jacig.2022.10.002
