Mobile Phones: Potential Sources of Nickel and Cobalt Exposure for Metal Allergic Patients

Abstract

The use of cellular phones has risen exponentially with over 300 million subscribers. Nickel has been detected in cell phones and reports of contact dermatitis attributable to metals are present in the literature. We determined nickel and cobalt content in popular cell phones in the United States. Adults ( > 18 years) who owned a flip phone, Blackberry Ò , or iPhone Ò were eligible. Seventy-two cell phones were tested using SmartPractice's Ò commercially available nickel and cobalt spot tests. Test areas included buttons, keypad, speakers, camera, and metal panels. Of the 72 cell phones tested, no iPhones or Droids Ò tested positive for nickel or cobalt. About 29.4% of Blackberrys [95% confidence interval (CI), 13%-53%] tested positive for nickel; none were positive for cobalt. About 90.5% of flip phones (95% CI, 70%-99%) tested positive for nickel and 52.4% of flip phones (95% CI, 32%-72%) tested positive for cobalt. Our study indicates that nickel and cobalt are present in popular cell phones. Patients with known nickel or cobalt allergy may consider their cellular phones as a potential source of exposure. Further studies are needed to examine whether there is a direct association with metal content in cell phones and the manifestation of metal allergy.

Peptide Bond Cleavage by Ni(II) Ions within the Nuclear Localization Signal Sequence

“…It frequently elicits contact allergy acting via skin exposure to materials releasing this metal . Unfortunately, many objects of daily use, such as tools, coins, jewelry, or cases of mobile phones and laptops release nickel in amounts high enough to trigger a reaction of the human immune system . Nickel is also abundant in the inhaled cigarette smoke (also from electronic cigarettes), and the polluted air .…”

Nickel Allergy in Adults in the US

“…86Y92 As 90% of Americans report ownership of a cellphone, 93 potential exposure to electronic devices with reported nickel content is widespread. 86 This trend is especially apparent among children, as tablets and computers are often used for educational activities both at home and at school, possibly leading to continued future rises in nickel sensitization rates. 86 Although routine environmental exposure accounts for the lion's share of nickel sensitization, risk of occupational nickel exposure is still present.…”

“…86 This trend is especially apparent among children, as tablets and computers are often used for educational activities both at home and at school, possibly leading to continued future rises in nickel sensitization rates. 86 Although routine environmental exposure accounts for the lion's share of nickel sensitization, risk of occupational nickel exposure is still present. In our review, only 5 articles focused on occupational nickel dermatitis, suggesting a potential underreporting of occupational cases in the United States when compared with available data worldwide.…”

Modern Technology Related Dermatosis: Review

“…Kobalt sadece kapaklı telefonların orta tuşunda tespit edilmiştir. 31 Her iki çalışmada da kobalt içeriğini saptamak için 1-nitro nafitol 3,6 disülfonik asit disodyum tuzu kullanılmıştır. Sarı olan reaktanın pembe renge dönmesi pozitif olarak değerlendirilmiştir.…”

“…Sarı olan reaktanın pembe renge dönmesi pozitif olarak değerlendirilmiştir. 30,31 Telefon dermatiti olup nikel ve kobalta karşı pozitif deri yama testi saptanan olgular bildirilmiş, ancak telefonlar kobalt açısından test edilmemiş-tir. 32,33 K Kr ro om m: : Nikel dermatiti kadar sık olmamasına rağmen preauriküler lokalizasyonda dermatit tablosu olup kroma karşı pozitif deri yama testi saptanan olgular bildirilmiştir.…”