Cell phones and Oxygen?

I've heard of a restriction like this in most hospitals. I think it's the electro-magnetic interference or something like that. A sign should be posted in that rest home if they do not allow cell phones. How were you to know?

 

99% myth, 1% fact. There may be a very, very, very slight possibility that the cellphone could somehow create a spark (from transmissions, battery exploding or something). They also usually have signs at the gas pumps too telling you not to use your phone and shut your engine off. But this is all being way over cautious. I've never, ever heard of a cell phone blowing up a gas pump. I've even seen people smoking cigarettes at gas pumps which is way more stupid and dangerous.

Usually cell phones are not really welcomed in hospitals because they fear they may interefere with medical equipment. Most newer medical equipment is properly shielded, and isn't a concern. But some older equipment may be affected ...however I recently saw an indoor cell phone system being installed in a local hospital, so they need callphones too in hospitals...and indoor solutions may be a good idea, since the phone transmits less power and causes less interference.

...anyway, yea, in your case, this lady shouldn't have snapped at you, and there should have been a sign.

 

If they're afraid of sparks that means that they cannot turn on and off the lights since that has the possibility of producing a spark as well.

 

LOL! That's a great point! If that doesn't cause an explosion, then how can a cell phone RF cause one? And let's not forget about their computers, air conditioners, heaters, etc.

That's more fiction than fact, or should I say urban legend. The Mythbusters already proved that's BS and it requires an extreme amount of electromagnetic RF and oxygen concentration and with the right conditions it could explode. There is no way those conditions could be present in a hospital, much less with a low power cell phone.

That sounds like the same myth that came out years ago saying that using your cell phone at the gas station could cause an explosion. What other BS will they think of next?

 

The staff member in question may have had good intentions.......but bad information. Although strictly speaking anything that is electrically powered has the potential for producing a spark, the chances of that occuring with a cell phone are slim. The concern in medical facilities is more with the 'RF' produced & its possible effects on medical equipment (such as pacemakers).
As for oxygen, it's not explosive, flammable or even combustible, it's an oxidizer.:wink:
Mike

 

As the saying goes "The road to hell is paved with good intentions."

 

I highly doubt that would be "it." Usually people/organizations get ideas in their heads and any amount of proof just doesn't make any difference. Airlines keep beating the drum of cellphones will cause interference to the plane's instruments. How many people's cell phones never get turned off despite cabin crew telling people they need to shut them off. It's never yet caused trouble, but that doesn't prevent the airlines saying that it does.

 

Yeah, you'd have to go to the hospital's administration in writing with supporting evidence. Search for scientific evidence on that topic. Maybe there are some articles citing studies that you can find online. And even then, it may take more than just one person (yourself) saying that.

I've been to hospitals where I've seen nurses talking on their cell phones and walking right in front of a sign saying that cell phones are prohibited. I think some hospitals prohibit them for the simple reason that some people have no manners and may disturb other patients because when they are on the phone they talk much louder than in person. Same reason cell phones are banned at some restaurants, libraries, etc., in other words, nothing to do with the RF.