The electromagnetic interference of mobile phones seems to be even more dangerous than previously thought. Recent studies have shown that this can affect the way that hospital equipment works, endangering the patients' lives.

This sounds more like a myth that will raise some eyebrows and convince few people. Still, the University of Amsterdam has conducted a study to show just how much of a risk mobile phones are for hospital equipment. One more health endangering problem for mobile phone users to fear of, apart from the one stating that these devices can be responsible for several forms of cancer.

During the research, nearly 50 incidents of electromagnetic interference have been recorded by the researchers from the University of Amsterdam. Three quarters of them have been considered to be dangerous or hazardous, with life threatening consequences.

Because of this potential peril, cell phones should be kept at least one meter away from hospital beds. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) that they work with may interrupt, obstruct, or at least degrade the performance that critical care equipment is capable of ensuring. As we are talking about important devices, that people rely for sustaining their lives, the perspective sounds frightening.

Still, as the number of mobile phone owners rapidly increases, so does the possibility of such devices coming close to hospital equipment. "It is unlikely that mobile phone induced EMI in hospitals will be eradicated in the near future so the one meter rule currently in place should continue, as it is relatively safe", said Dr van Lieshout.

The research team examined the effects of General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) signals on critical care equipment such as ventilators and pacemakers. The second generation (2.5G) GPRS signal was the reason for the highest number of EMI incidents, at over 60 percent, whereas the third generation (3G) UMTS signal was responsible for just 13 percent.