Doctors Warn Of Cell Phone Use During Thunderstorms

You know about the distraction of using a cell phone while driving.

You may have heard rumours about not using one of the devices while filling up at a gas station.

But now it appears those who like to talk on the go have something else to add to their list of things to worry about.

British researchers have released a study warning consumers not to talk on their portable devices if they get caught outside during a thunderstorm.

The British Medical Journal cites the case of a 15-year-old girl who was talking on her cell phone in a park when she was struck by lightning. The impact of such an event would be bad enough. But in most cases, the high resistance of the skin conducts the jolt over the body in what’s called a ‘flashover’.

But doctors claim the teen’s injuries were made far worse because the metal in her device disrupted that process and sent the bolt from the blue straight through the unsuspecting young girl.

Although she survived, her injuries were serious and even a year later, she’s still in a wheelchair.

“This rare phenomenon is a public health issue, and education is necessary to highlight the risk of using mobile phones outdoors during stormy weather to prevent future fatal consequences from lighting strike injuries,” warns Dr. Swinda Esprit of Northwick Park Hospital in England.

Physicians admit the chances of getting hit by lightning while using a cell aren’t high, but it’s not as uncommon as you might think. They note separate cases where it’s happened in China, South Korea and Malaysia.

And a few experts say it’s not even safe to carry the metallic objects in your pocket when there’s electricity in the air.

The bottom line? Don’t become preoccupied with this stuff, but don’t take chances either. If there’s violent weather, remember it’s not something to necessarily phone home about. Especially if you’re outside when it comes.

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