8,700 Studies Reviewed. 87.0% Found Biological Effects. The Evidence is Clear.
Shield Your Body
Cardiovascular

A Electromagnetic interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and digital cellular phones: experimental study.

Bioeffects Seen

Trigano AJ, Azoulay A, Rochdi M, Campillo · 1999

View Original Abstract
Share:

Walkie-talkies and cell phones caused dangerous interference in most external pacemakers tested, at distances up to 6 feet away.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested how walkie-talkies and cell phones interfere with external pacemakers (temporary heart devices used in hospitals). They found that 8 out of 9 pacemakers experienced dangerous disruptions from walkie-talkies, while 4 were affected by GSM phones and 2 by newer digital phones. The interference occurred at distances up to 6 feet away, potentially putting critically ill patients at risk.

Why This Matters

This study reveals a critical safety gap that most people never consider: wireless devices can interfere with life-saving medical equipment. While much attention focuses on whether EMF affects healthy people, this research demonstrates clear, measurable harm to vulnerable patients whose hearts depend on electronic pacing. The fact that 89% of pacemakers tested showed interference from walkie-talkies, and nearly half from cell phones, highlights how ubiquitous RF radiation can disrupt sensitive electronics. What makes this particularly concerning is that hospitals are filled with wireless devices, from staff cell phones to communication systems, yet many healthcare workers remain unaware of these interference risks. The reality is that EMF doesn't just pose theoretical health concerns - it can create immediate, life-threatening situations for patients with implanted or external cardiac devices.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The purpose of this experimental study was to evaluate electromagnetic interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and digital cellular telephones.

External bipolar pacing was monitored using a digital oscilloscope to record pacemaker pulses and el...

This experimental study shows a potential risk of interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talk...

Cite This Study
Trigano AJ, Azoulay A, Rochdi M, Campillo (1999). A Electromagnetic interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and digital cellular phones: experimental study. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol 22(4 Pt 1):588-593, 1999.
Show BibTeX
@article{aj_1999_a_electromagnetic_interference_of_2632,
  author = {Trigano AJ and Azoulay A and Rochdi M and Campillo},
  title = {A Electromagnetic interference of external pacemakers by walkie-talkies and digital cellular phones: experimental study.},
  year = {1999},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10234711/},
}
PubMed: 10234711

Cited By (52 papers)

View all 52 citing papers on Semantic Scholar

Quick Questions About This Study

Yes, walkie-talkies pose significant risks to temporary pacemakers. A 1999 study found that 8 out of 9 external pacemakers experienced dangerous interference from walkie-talkies at distances up to 6 feet, potentially endangering critically ill patients in hospitals.
GSM phones can interfere with external pacemakers used in hospitals. Research by Trigano found that 4 out of 9 temporary pacemakers were affected by GSM cellular phones, creating potential risks for acutely ill cardiac patients requiring these devices.
Communication devices should be kept more than 6 feet away from temporary pacemakers. The 1999 Trigano study demonstrated that both walkie-talkies and cell phones could interfere with external pacemakers at distances up to 6 feet from patients.
Digital phones appear somewhat safer than walkie-talkies for pacemaker interference. While walkie-talkies affected 8 of 9 external pacemakers tested, newer digital phones only interfered with 2 devices, though both still pose risks to cardiac patients.
Hospitals should restrict walkie-talkie use near patients with temporary pacemakers. The Trigano study showed 89% of external pacemakers experienced dangerous interference from walkie-talkies, prompting researchers to recommend warnings about communication device risks in cardiac units.