Insights into Persistent Toxic Substances in Protective Cases of Mobile Phones: Occurrence, Health Risks, and Implications

Abstract

Despite the popularity of smartphones worldwide, persistent toxic substances (PTSs) in protective cases of mobile phones (PCMPs) and their health risks via direct skin contact have been ignored. This study investigated PTSs in PCMPs made in China with different materials and sales territory and their potential harm to human health. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, 6.40 ng/g), new brominated flame retardants (NBFRs, 144 ng/g), organophosphate esters (OPEs, 10.1 μg/g), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs, 3.58 μg/g), medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs, 3.17 μg/g), and heavy metals (HMs, 72.3 μg/g) were detected. It was found that the different concentrations and compositions depend on the material, region, and use. Moreover, the raw materials used to fabricate PCMPs are of variable quality and may include recycled plastic waste. There are no standard quality specifications for PCMPs, and different materials have different properties, including specific surface area and adsorption ability. The risk assessment performed by Monte Carlo simulations indicated that the PTSs evaluated pose no health risks to the general population and may have adverse effects on individual high-exposure populations. According to the results of this work, it is suggested that more stringent global specifications for the selection of raw materials should be established, including the content and structural characteristics of PTSs, limitations on the use of additives in the production process, and the handling after use.

Neuroprotective effect of quercetin against rotenone‐induced neuroinflammation and alterations in mice behavior

“…[ 19 ] Data from various studies suggest that substances from naturally derived, principally flavonoids, have a central role in the improvement of learning, and memory performance. [ 20 ] A favorable influence of quercetin on memory and cognitive functions has also been reported. [ 21,22 ] The results of the present study showed the novel beneficial effects of quercetin in attenuating memory and cognitive impairments and loss of dopaminergic fibrous, reduced number of degenerative neurons in the hippocampus, and inhibition of neuroinflammation in mice brains.…”