(Ivanhoe Newswire) – Allergies plague an estimated 50 million people in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of the United States. This could be bad news for Blackberry.

 

According to a study Blackberry phones contain nickel, a common allergen that is not found in iPhones or Android phones.

 

“Approximately one-third of all Blackberries contain nickel,” said allergist Tania Mucci, M.D., lead study author and ACAAI member. 

 

Mucci, along with other ACAAI allergists, studied popular smartphones for both nickel and cobalt, another popular cause of allergic reactions of the skin.

 

“Both metals can cause an allergic reaction including dry, itchy patches along the cheek bones, jaw line and ears,” Mucci said. Symptoms of nickel and cobalt allergies can include redness, swelling, itching, eczema, blistering, skin lesions and occasional scarring. 

 

“Patients with nickel and cobalt allergies should consider using iPhones or Droids to reduce the chance of having an allergic reaction,” said allergist Luz Fonacier, M.D., study author and ACAAI fellow. “Blackberry users with known allergies should avoid prolonged conversations, text messaging and handling their phone if they notice symptoms.”

 

The ACAAI also advises users who are allergic, but do not want to switch phones, to use plastic phone cases, wireless ear pieces and clear film screens to decrease allergic reactions.

 

Just because a person isn’t using a smartphone doesn’t mean they’re safe. More than 90 percent of flip phone models contained nickel and more than 50 percent tested positive for cobalt. These metals are also commonly found in jewelry, coins and makeup.

 

Source: Annual Scientific Meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology

 

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