Who says the phones were on?
I did not read the article. You are correct, it could have been the super glue.
Respiratory symptoms, though less common, can occur in sensitized individuals exposed to cyanoacrylate vapors. Prolonged inhalation in poorly ventilated environments has been linked to rhinitis, nasal congestion, sneezing, and watery discharge. Occupational exposure, particularly among nail technicians and industrial workers, has been associated with asthma-like symptoms, including wheezing and shortness of breath. Case reports have documented occupational asthma in individuals working in high airborne cyanoacrylate concentrations, with spirometry tests revealing reversible airflow obstruction.