There many reasons to avoid using cell phones in a laboratory: - Ethical - Security - Hygiene Talking about safety issues, this is my viewpoint: Most of our labs are classified as Class 1 Division 1 or Class 1 Division 2 locations in the National Electrical Code, 2005 Edition (from the National Fire Protection Association - NFPA). Although that NFPA code is not specific for "portable equipment having contained power supplies" (as the cell phones), it refers us to the recommended practice ISA-RP12.12.03-2002, from The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society. The above mentioned recommended practice states what kind of portable products may be used in the classified locations: Thus, in a Class 1 Division 1 location may be used: a) Any product that is listed for use in the location And in a Class 1 Division 2 location may be used: a) PEP1 (PEP means Portable Electronic Product) b) PEP2 c) Any product that is listed for use in the location Since any cell phone meets the PEP1 criteria, only a few of them meets the PEP2 criteria y probably no one is listed for use in such locations, the use of cell phones should be prohibited in labs. Reynaldo Beltran EHS Management Pemex Exploration & Production Tabasco, Mexico 52-993-3521290