[In vitro and in vivo study of electromagnetic compatibility of cellular phones and pacemakers]
Geller L, Thuroczy G, Merkely B. · 2001
View Original AbstractPacemaker patients can safely use modern cell phones by maintaining 8+ inches of distance during calls.
Plain English Summary
Hungarian researchers tested how cell phones interfere with pacemakers by conducting over 1,100 lab tests and 130 tests with real patients. They found that older 450 MHz phones caused interference in 10-63% of cases, while newer GSM and 1800 MHz phones caused no problems. The study confirmed that keeping cell phones at least 20 centimeters (about 8 inches) away from pacemakers prevents any interference during normal use.
Why This Matters
This research provides crucial safety data for the millions of people worldwide who depend on pacemakers. What makes this study particularly valuable is its real-world approach, testing actual patients with implanted devices rather than relying solely on laboratory simulations. The findings reveal a clear pattern: older, lower-frequency phone systems posed significant interference risks, while newer digital systems proved much safer. The 20-centimeter safety distance this study validates remains the gold standard recommendation today. For pacemaker patients, this research offers reassurance that modern cell phones can be used safely with simple precautions, while highlighting why consulting with your cardiologist about device compatibility remains essential.
Exposure Information
Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study. The study examined exposure from: 450 MHz, 1800 MHz
Study Details
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of cellular phones and pacemakers (PM) was examined in four different cellular phone system (NMT, GSM, RLL, DCS 1800 MHz) and in fifteen different PM type in-vitro and in-vivo in humans.
After more than 1100 in-vitro and 130 in-vivo tests we concluded, that the electromagnetic immunity ...
Our study supports guidelines which suggest that PM patients should contact their physicians when using cellular phones and cellular phones and PMs should not get closer than 20 cms.
Show BibTeX
@article{l_2001_in_vitro_and_in_2105,
author = {Geller L and Thuroczy G and Merkely B.},
title = {[In vitro and in vivo study of electromagnetic compatibility of cellular phones and pacemakers]},
year = {2001},
url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11680101/},
}