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Possible risks due to exposure of workers and patients with implants by TETRA transmitters.

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Cecil S, Neubauer G, Rauscha F, Stix G, Müller W, Breithuber C, Glanzer M. · 2014

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TETRA radio transmitters don't interfere with medical implants when kept 30 centimeters away, confirming current safety protocols work.

Plain English Summary

Summary written for general audiences

Researchers tested whether TETRA radio transmitters (used by police and emergency services) could interfere with medical implants like pacemakers when first responders work closely with patients. They found that keeping the transmitters at least 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) away from implants prevents any interference, and all exposure levels stayed well below safety limits.

Why This Matters

This research addresses a practical concern that emerges as wireless communication becomes ubiquitous in emergency services. The science demonstrates that TETRA transmitters pose minimal risk to implant function when basic distance precautions are followed. What makes this study particularly relevant is its real-world focus on occupational scenarios where first responders regularly interact with patients who may have cardiac pacemakers or other electronic implants. The 30-centimeter safety distance identified here aligns with previous research on mobile phones and implants, suggesting consistent interference patterns across different wireless technologies. For emergency service workers and patients alike, this research provides reassurance that current safety protocols are adequate, while reinforcing the importance of maintaining appropriate distances during patient care.

Exposure Information

Specific exposure levels were not quantified in this study.

Study Details

The main focus of our study was to investigate the functionality of several types of implants when exposed to TETRA transmitters. Moreover, we investigated the difference in the degree of exposure of users of TETRA transmitters when they carry the devices in different locations near the body, and when they use them in different positions near the head.

Our results show that a compliance distance of 30 cm between implant and transmitter is sufficient t...

Cite This Study
Cecil S, Neubauer G, Rauscha F, Stix G, Müller W, Breithuber C, Glanzer M. (2014). Possible risks due to exposure of workers and patients with implants by TETRA transmitters. Bioelectromagnetics. 2014 Jan 16. doi: 10.1002/bem.21839.
Show BibTeX
@article{s_2014_possible_risks_due_to_1958,
  author = {Cecil S and Neubauer G and Rauscha F and Stix G and Müller W and Breithuber C and Glanzer M.},
  title = {Possible risks due to exposure of workers and patients with implants by TETRA transmitters.},
  year = {2014},
  
  url = {https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24436224/},
}
PubMed: 24436224

Cited By (8 papers)

Quick Questions About This Study

Police TETRA radios can potentially interfere with pacemakers, but only at very close distances. A 2014 study found that keeping transmitters at least 30 centimeters (12 inches) away from medical implants completely prevents any interference while staying well below safety limits.
TETRA radios are safe for people with medical implants when used properly. Research shows that maintaining a 30-centimeter distance between the radio and any implant eliminates interference risk, with all exposure levels remaining well below recommended safety limits.
Emergency service TETRA radios don't affect heart devices like pacemakers when kept at appropriate distances. Studies demonstrate that a 30-centimeter separation completely prevents any influence on medical implants while maintaining safe exposure levels for users.
A minimum distance of 30 centimeters (about 12 inches) between TETRA radios and pacemakers is completely safe. This separation eliminates any potential interference with medical implants while keeping radiation exposure well below established safety guidelines for users.
First responders should keep TETRA radios at least 30 centimeters away from patients with medical implants. Research shows this distance prevents interference, and holding transmitters near the mouth rather than phone-style reduces exposure levels slightly.