July 16, 2007

Dear Sassy: I heard a rumor about iPods and lightning... Do iPods attract lightning strikes like a tall tree?
~ Ecstatically Waiting

Dear Ecstatic: You know, Sassy has also heard that cell phones also attract lightning strikes. But this appears to be a common myth according to Snopes.com. Cell phones and iPods do not attract lightning strikes but you do not want to have your metal ear buds in your ears during a storm. If you should get struck by lighting with your ear buds in your ears, the electricity from the storm combined with the metal in your iPod/cable/ear buds will serve as a conductor and allow the electricity to penetrate your body. This does not sound good and most likely will require a trip to the emergency room. It is better to be safe than sorry, don't listen to your iPod or plug into your cell phone during a storm.