Since the appearance of Covid-19, we have become aware that our mobile phones could be real reservoirs of viral particles, bacteria of all kinds… A recent American study, published in the journal Annals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology points out that they are also harmful for allergies, because they store allergens.
85% of US homes have smartphones, says one of the study’s scientists in a press release, hence the importance of understanding their role in health at home. By analyzing the substances present on the surface of 15 coins, the researchers found that there were cat and dog allergens (for families who had pets), BDGs (beta-D-glucan, yeasts and mushrooms) but also endotoxins, an inflammatory agent.
A cocktail of antiseptics to neutralize them
In view of these findings, the scientists advise: “If you have allergies or asthma, cleaning your smartphone more often can help to limit exposure to these allergens and asthma triggers.” They tested different chemical cocktails to properly clean the surface of the phone, made in the laboratory.
It turned out that the mixture of chlorhexidine (broad-spectrum bactericidal antiseptic), cetylpyridinium chloride (cationic antiseptic) and benzyl benzoate and tannic acid neutralized all the agents found on the telephones.
Sources: Anals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, American College of Anals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology.
