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Electromagnetic compatibility study of the in-vitro interaction of wireless phones with cardiac pacemakers.

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Schlegel RE, Grant FH, Raman S, Reynolds D · 1998

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Wireless phones interfered with pacemakers in 21% of lab tests, confirming the 6-inch separation rule protects against potentially dangerous EMF interference.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested 29 different cardiac pacemaker models with five types of wireless phones to see if the phones interfered with the pacemakers' normal operation. They found that certain combinations caused problems in 21% of tests, with some pacemaker models being particularly vulnerable to interference from specific phone technologies. The study confirmed that keeping phones at least 6 inches away from pacemakers prevents interference, and all devices returned to normal function when the interfering phone was turned off.

Why This Matters

This 1998 study represents crucial early research into EMF interference with medical devices, conducted when wireless phones were becoming ubiquitous. The science demonstrates that electromagnetic fields from phones can disrupt life-saving medical equipment, with interference rates reaching 21% under certain conditions. What this means for you is that the 6-inch separation rule recommended by medical professionals isn't arbitrary - it's based on solid laboratory evidence. The reality is that people with pacemakers face genuine risks from wireless device interference, though the effects are reversible when the EMF source is removed. This research helped establish safety protocols that protect millions of pacemaker users today, showing how EMF science directly translates into life-saving guidelines.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

This large-scale in-vitro investigation of the interaction between hand-held wireless phones and cardiac pacemakers tested 29 pacemaker models with five different phone standards.

The phones were operational and suspended on a grid above a torso simulator filled with a saline bat...

Only a few pacemakers were responsible for a disproportionately large number of interactions. Likewi...

This study may be useful in ongoing efforts to define test protocols, evaluate pacemaker designs, and mitigate interactions, perhaps providing the basis for future certification and screening efforts.

Cite This Study
Schlegel RE, Grant FH, Raman S, Reynolds D (1998). Electromagnetic compatibility study of the in-vitro interaction of wireless phones with cardiac pacemakers. Biomed Instrum Technol 32(6):645-655, 1998.
Show BibTeX
@article{re_1998_electromagnetic_compatibility_study_of_2571,
  author = {Schlegel RE and Grant FH and Raman S and Reynolds D},
  title = {Electromagnetic compatibility study of the in-vitro interaction of wireless phones with cardiac pacemakers.},
  year = {1998},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9883349/},
}
PubMed: 9883349

Cited By (23 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

A 1998 study testing 29 pacemaker models found one particular phone technology caused interference in 21% of tests, while other wireless standards showed little to no interaction. Only a few pacemaker models were responsible for most interference problems.
Research confirms pacemakers should be kept at least 6 inches away from wireless phones to prevent electromagnetic interference. This separation distance effectively eliminates interaction problems between cardiac devices and mobile phone signals.
Yes, all pacemakers in the study returned to normal operation immediately when the interfering wireless phone was turned off. The electromagnetic interference effects were temporary and completely reversible once the EMF source was removed.
Yes, the relative orientation between wireless phones and pacemaker cases significantly affects interference levels. Researchers found that how the phone is positioned and angled near the pacemaker influences whether electromagnetic interaction occurs.
Only a few pacemaker models were responsible for most electromagnetic interactions with wireless phones. Design differences in pacemaker shielding, circuitry, and sensitivity thresholds make certain models more vulnerable to radio frequency interference than others.