Electromagnetic compatibility of electronic implants--review of the literature.
Kainz W, Neubauer G, Alesch F, Schmid G, Jahn O. · 2001
View Original AbstractMobile phones can interfere with pacemakers when closer than 30 centimeters, requiring patients to maintain distance and use opposite-side positioning.
Plain English Summary
Researchers reviewed published studies on how electromagnetic fields interfere with electronic medical implants like pacemakers and defibrillators. They found that mobile phones can disrupt these life-saving devices when held too close, particularly within 30 centimeters of the implant. The study recommends keeping phones at least 30 cm away from pacemakers and using them on the opposite side of the body from the implant location.
Why This Matters
This research highlights a critical real-world consequence of EMF exposure that goes beyond theoretical health concerns. When electromagnetic fields interfere with pacemakers or defibrillators, the results can be immediately life-threatening. The science demonstrates clear electromagnetic compatibility issues between common wireless devices and medical implants that millions of people depend on daily. What makes this particularly significant is that the interference occurs at the power levels we encounter from everyday devices like mobile phones. The reality is that patients with electronic implants face documented risks from EMF sources that most people consider harmless. The researchers' call for more comprehensive testing reveals concerning gaps in our understanding of how various EMF sources affect different types of medical implants.
Exposure Details
Study Details
The aim of the article was to provide an overview of published studies regarding the electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) of electronic implants.
The available literature was sorted according to combinations of implant types and sources of interf...
The results of these experiments suggest measures that may be used to prevent the disturbance of pac...
It is strongly recommended that trials be carried out to evaluate the potential risk for patients in these settings.
Show BibTeX
@article{w_2001_electromagnetic_compatibility_of_electronic_1087,
author = {Kainz W and Neubauer G and Alesch F and Schmid G and Jahn O.},
title = {Electromagnetic compatibility of electronic implants--review of the literature.},
year = {2001},
url = {https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11555618_Review_of_the_Literature_Electromagnetic_compatibility_of_electronic_implants},
}