Smartphones not life-threatening, experts say  

专家：智能手机充电中发生人类触电致死概率极低

近日，一条“南航23岁空姐用正在充电iPhone手机接电话时被电击身亡”的微博引发大量网民关注。对于此事件，美国专家表示，人类遭智能型手机电死的机率非常低，就算手机正在充电也一样。[查看全文]

(ECNS)-- Concerns over potential electrical hazards were raised after a 23-year-old flight attendant was reportedly electrocuted while answering a phone call on a charging iPhone 5. However, experts say that the odds of being electrocuted by a smartphone is very low.

Certified phone chargers that use a USB cord are about 5 volts, not enough to severely harm a person, US experts said.

Ma Ailun, a stewardess at China Southern Airline, was reportedly electrocuted while answering a phone call on a charging iPhone 5.

Ma's older sister said on Chinese micro-blogging service Sina Weibo that the stewardess was hit by a "strong electric current" while talking on the iPhone, which was connected to a charger.

The family also said the phone was purchased through official channels, and was still within the one-year warranty.

According to a statement released by Apple, the company offered condolences to the Ma family and that it will investigate the case.

"We have seen very few incidents related to shock or electrocution," said Scott Wolfson, communications director for the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Most of our attention has been on overheating, smoke or fire," Wolfson said.

When the phone is charged through a substandard or incompatible charger, the risks become greater.

Wolfson called on consumers to buy certified products to avoid the risks.