Schools looking to ban cell phones may have a new excuse: a growing number of people are developing an allergy (过敏) to metal in the devices. We all know that food allergies are on the rise—a study last year placed the rate at 1 per 70 children, compared with 1 in 250 in the 1970s. But at last month’s meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergists reported that many substances that once seemed harmless are now leading to allergic reactions too.
Allergies can develop when young bodies come into contact with a new substance, and an increasing number of kids have early exposure to tech tools and "" products that can lead to a lifetime of reactions. For instance, the nickel hardware often used on phone trim and faceplates can lead to red, itchy (发痒的) skin where the phone is pressed against the face of someone who developed a nickel allergy at a young age. It’s especially problematic for women, says Luz Fonacier, an allergist who presented at the conference. Young girls are often first exposed to nickel when they get their ears pierced, and therefore are more likely to develop a sensitivity to the metal that can cause allergic reactions later on.
Temporary tattoos (刺青) could be another new allergy trigger. They share a coloring matter used in hair dyes, which can lead to problems down the line. "You might have kids developing the sensitivity now, and then finding out only when they’re much older and decide to dye their hair, then have an attack," says Fonacier. Foods that were once considered low risk, like pumpkin, are now causing some allergic reactions too.
So what’s behind all these new allergens Some researchers believe that as humans live in cleaner, safer, more disease-free environments, the immune system—given less to do thanks to antibiotics and Clorox—turns on substances once considered safe. Others note that children are being exposed to more and more new foods and foreign substances at earlier ages, which could up the chances of developing a sensitivity. To be safe, Fonacier recommends that children avoid piercing until after age 10. And it’s all just another reason to keep those cell phones and temporary tats away from young hands.

To reduce the chance of developing a sensitivity, children are advised to （） before 10.

Schools looking to ban cell phones may have a new excuse: a growing number of people are developing an allergy (过敏) to metal in the devices. We all know that food allergies are on the rise—a study last year placed the rate at 1 per 70 children, compared with 1 in 250 in the 1970s. But at last month’s meeting of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, allergists reported that many substances that once seemed harmless are now leading to allergic reactions too.
Allergies can develop when young bodies come into contact with a new substance, and an increasing number of kids have early exposure to tech tools and "" products that can lead to a lifetime of reactions. For instance, the nickel hardware often used on phone trim and faceplates can lead to red, itchy (发痒的) skin where the phone is pressed against the face of someone who developed a nickel allergy at a young age. It’s especially problematic for women, says Luz Fonacier, an allergist who presented at the conference. Young girls are often first exposed to nickel when they get their ears pierced, and therefore are more likely to develop a sensitivity to the metal that can cause allergic reactions later on.
Temporary tattoos (刺青) could be another new allergy trigger. They share a coloring matter used in hair dyes, which can lead to problems down the line. "You might have kids developing the sensitivity now, and then finding out only when they’re much older and decide to dye their hair, then have an attack," says Fonacier. Foods that were once considered low risk, like pumpkin, are now causing some allergic reactions too.
So what’s behind all these new allergens Some researchers believe that as humans live in cleaner, safer, more disease-free environments, the immune system—given less to do thanks to antibiotics and Clorox—turns on substances once considered safe. Others note that children are being exposed to more and more new foods and foreign substances at earlier ages, which could up the chances of developing a sensitivity. To be safe, Fonacier recommends that children avoid piercing until after age 10. And it’s all just another reason to keep those cell phones and temporary tats away from young hands.