Not Cleaning Your Smartphone Can Worsen Allergies and Respiratory Problems

We use our smartphones frequently in everyday life, but the health issues that come with it are often overlooked. Most people wash their hands habitually, but cleaning smartphones is not a regular routine. However, smartphones accumulate more germs and allergens than we realize, and neglecting this can lead to various health problems. Studies show that smartphones are more contaminated than hands, highlighting the importance of smartphone care to prevent allergies and respiratory diseases.

Allergens Accumulated on Smartphones

The surface of smartphones accumulates a variety of allergens we might not have considered. Research from the University of Iowa and Boston Children's Hospital revealed that the following substances are commonly found on smartphones:

• β-D glucan (BDG): This substance, commonly found in fungal cell walls, can irritate the airway and worsen allergic rhinitis symptoms. It can cause respiratory issues like coughing, runny nose, and sneezing.
• Bacterial endotoxins: These toxins originate from the outer membranes of Gram-negative bacteria and can trigger inflammation, exacerbating asthma.
• Pet allergens: Allergens from pets like cats and dogs are often found on smartphones, even in people who do not have pets. This is because smartphones are exposed to various environments where these substances can easily attach.

As these substances accumulate on smartphone surfaces, touching the face or bringing the phone close to the face during use can easily lead to allergens entering the respiratory system, triggering allergic reactions.

How Allergic Reactions Occur

Allergic reactions occur when the body's immune system recognizes certain substances as threats. Allergens transferred through smartphones can penetrate mucous membranes such as those in the eyes, nose, and mouth, prompting an immune response. This can result in symptoms such as:

• Conjunctivitis: Allergens entering the eyes can cause itching, tearing, and redness, leading to allergic conjunctivitis.
• Rhinitis: Symptoms like a runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion can worsen due to allergic rhinitis.
• Asthma: For those with asthma, bacterial endotoxins on smartphones can irritate the airway, leading to asthma attacks.

If these symptoms persist or become chronic, they can develop into more serious respiratory or skin conditions.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Smartphone

Cleaning your smartphone regularly is the most effective way to reduce exposure to allergens. Various studies have shown that specific disinfecting agents are particularly effective:

• Chlorhexidine and Cetylpyridinium: These ingredients are effective in removing BDG and bacterial endotoxins.
• Benzyl benzoate and Tannic acid: These ingredients are excellent at removing pet allergens.

Even using common alcohol wipes or alcohol-based disinfectants at home can remove most allergens from the smartphone surface. The habit of cleaning your smartphone not only helps with allergy symptoms but also plays an important role in preventing bacterial infections.

How to Properly Clean Your Smartphone

When cleaning your smartphone, there are some precautions to prevent damage to the device:

• Use alcohol wipes: It's recommended to use disinfectants containing over 70% isopropyl alcohol. Gently wipe the surface of the smartphone to remove substances.
• Screen protectors: If a screen protector is attached, clean the protector's surface, and consider replacing the film regularly.
• Turn off the phone: Make sure to turn off the smartphone before cleaning to prevent damage to the device.
• Regular cleaning: Since smartphones are touched frequently, it's a good idea to clean them at least once a week.

Improving Smartphone Usage Habits

Besides cleaning your smartphone, improving usage habits can help prevent allergy-related issues:

• Wash your hands: Get into the habit of washing your hands after using your smartphone. This can reduce the transfer of germs and allergens from your hands to the smartphone surface.
• Avoid touching your face: Be mindful of not touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, while using your smartphone, as this increases exposure to allergens.
• Avoid sharing smartphones: If possible, avoid sharing your smartphone with others. Shared devices can accumulate allergens and bacteria more quickly.

Why Smartphone Cleanliness is Important for Both Children and Adults

Children are more vulnerable to allergens from smartphones because their immune systems are not fully developed. For children with atopic dermatitis or asthma, smartphone cleanliness is particularly crucial. However, adults can also develop chronic allergic conditions if they are repeatedly exposed to these substances, so it's important to be cautious.

Smartphones are essential tools in our daily lives, but maintaining cleanliness is key to protecting our health. Regularly cleaning your smartphone can play a vital role in preventing allergies and respiratory issues. Make it a habit to keep your smartphone clean and maintain a healthy lifestyle.