iPods and Pacemakers

I know this article does not relate to technology in the classroom but I did find it interesting because clearly it relates to technology in general.

"iPods can cause cardiac implantable pacemakers to malfunction by interfering with the electromagnetic equipment monitoring the heart."

An interesting fact that is stated in the beginning is that the problem with iPods and pacemakers was founded by a 17-year-old boy! Kind of ironic how we always talk about how our students could potentially know more about technology than us and here a 17 year old discovers a fact such as this one!

The article states that iPods as close as two inches away causes electrical interference. In relation to the pacemakers, iPods as close as 18 inches from an individual's chest could cause the pacemaker to misread the pacing.

If you'd like to check this article out the website is:

http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSN1048845320070510?feedType=RSS&rpc=22