Close encounters with iPods caused interference with cardiac pacemakers in 50 per cent of patients, according to electromagnetic tests. When the iPods were held 5cm from patients’ chests for 5-10 seconds, some pacemakers could misread heart function, and , in one case, the life perserving device temporarily stopped functioning.

The study of 83 people fitted with pacemakers was conducted by a secondary school student, Jay Thaker, with the help of University of Michigan researchers. “Although the typical pacemaker patient may not be an iPod user, they are often in close contact with grandchildren who are users,” says Thaker.

Credits: RD