Intermittent pacemaker dysfunction caused by digital mobile telephones.
Naegeli B, Osswald S, Deola M, Burkart F · 1996
View Original AbstractMobile phones caused dangerous pacemaker malfunctions in 18% of patients when held within 4 inches of the device.
Plain English Summary
Researchers tested digital mobile phones near 39 patients with implanted pacemakers to see if the phones would interfere with the life-saving devices. They found that 18% of patients experienced pacemaker malfunctions when phones were held within 10 centimeters (about 4 inches) of the device, with some interference causing dangerous pacemaker inhibition. The interference was worse with higher-power phones and more sensitive pacemaker settings.
Why This Matters
This 1996 study provides crucial evidence that mobile phone radiation can directly interfere with critical medical devices. While modern pacemakers have improved shielding, the fundamental physics hasn't changed - radiofrequency radiation can still disrupt sensitive electronic circuits. What makes this research particularly significant is that it demonstrates measurable, reproducible interference at distances people routinely use their phones. The 18% interference rate among patients tested isn't a minor technical glitch - it represents potentially life-threatening malfunctions of devices people depend on for survival. This study reminds us that EMF bioeffects aren't just about long-term health risks, but immediate safety concerns for vulnerable populations with medical implants.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.
Study Details
This study was designed to evaluate possible interactions between digital mobile telephones and implanted pacemakers.
In 39 patients with an implanted pacemaker (14 dual-chamber [DDD], 8 atrial-synchronized ventricular...
In 7 (18%) of 39 patients, a reproducible interference was induced during 26 (3.9%) of 672 tests wit...
Digital mobile phones in close proximity to implanted pacemakers may cause intermittent pacemaker dysfunction with inappropriate ventricular tracking and potentially dangerous pacemaker inhibition.
Show BibTeX
@article{b_1996_intermittent_pacemaker_dysfunction_caused_2455,
author = {Naegeli B and Osswald S and Deola M and Burkart F},
title = {Intermittent pacemaker dysfunction caused by digital mobile telephones.},
year = {1996},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8626960/},
}