You’d probably never expect to see warning labels on iPods regarding dangerous health risks associated with your beloved MP3 player. However, don’t be surprised if Apple starts slapping ‘em onto their ever-so-popular iPod products. According to a study by a Michigan high school senior and a team of researchers, the familiar iPod poses a risk to people with pacemakers. The study showed 50% of pacemakers malfunctioned after an iPod was placed next to them. Eighty-three patients were tested by holding an iPod 2 inches from their chests. Twenty-nine percent experienced “telemetry interference” and 20% experienced “over sensing” as a result of the pacemaker reading heart functions incorrectly. Some pacemakers stopped functioning even when the iPod was held 18 inches from the chest. Errors and inaccuracies in a pacemaker can cause doctors to resort to unnecessary medical treatments.
In one patient, the pacemaker stopped functioning all together. This creates a serious risk for those who completely rely on this device to survive. Patients could lose consciousness and those with implanted pacemaker defibrillators may experience unnecessary and very painful shock. Although household appliances and cell phones are known to interfere with pacemakers, there’s no risk so long as they’re not in close proximity with the pacemaker. Researchers say same goes for iPods – so long as they’re not placed over or next to pacemakers, patients can use them safely.