Mobile phones create considerable electromagnetic interference with medical equipment when used in hospitals.

Is it true that mobile phones create considerable electromagnetic interference with medical equipment when used in hospitals?

Unclear. Several sources partially undercut the claim: a BMJ piece reports only 4% of medical devices showed interference at one metre, a medical-myths article lists the claim among myths, Japanese guidelines expanded phone use with separation distances, and the FDA says phones do not seem a significant problem for pacemaker wearers. None of these fully settles whether interference is 'considerable'.

Verdict: PARTIAL LEAN · 0 sources for, 4 against · Last checked 3 Oct 2026

The private library was unavailable for some searches in this check. Missing library results are not evidence against the claim.

Mobile phones in hospitals: Are not as hazardous as believed and should be allowed at least in non-clinical areas - PMC Lock. (n.d.). pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.326.7387.460

Medical myths. (2007). doi.org. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39420.420370.25

病院内における携帯電話の新指針について. (n.d.). cir.nii.ac.jp. https://doi.org/10.11239/jsmbe.53.s157_01

Potential Cell Phone Interference with Pacemakers and Other Medical Devices | FDA. (n.d.). fda.gov. https://www.fda.gov/radiation-emitting-products/cell-phones/potential-cell-phone-interference-pacemakers-and-other-medical-devices