Years ago, the scuttlebutt was that excessive cellphone use may increase the chance of contracting brain cancer. Another rumor stated that sparks from a cellphone could potentially ignite gasoline while fueling one's automobile.

While the jury may still be out on those points, doctors in the U.K. are now advising that people avoid using cellphones during thunderstorms. They point out the case of a young girl who was struck by lighting while using her cellphone during a storm. Although she survived, she suffers persistent health problems and requires 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," said Dr. Swinda Esprit of Northwick Park Hospital in England.

Normally, skin is a high-resistance substance, conducting an electric flash over the body's surface in what is called a "flashover." Although this can result in painful burns, internal organs are not usually affected. However, if the skin is in contact with an object containing metal, the flashover can be conducted into the body, and serious internal injuries can result.

Three fatal cases of lightning strikes during a cellphone conversation have been reported in Asia.

"The Australian Lightning Protection Standard recommends that metallic objects, including cordless or mobile phones, should not be used (or carried) outdoors during a thunderstorm," Dr. Esprit advises.