Crocs a fashion faux pas for doctors

updated 2:55 p.m. ET April 20, 2007

STOCKHOLM, Sweden - A Swedish hospital wants to ban its staff from wearing Crocs plastic clogs, saying they generate static electricity that can knock out medical equipment, a spokesman said.

Blekinge hospital in southern Sweden suspects the slip-on shoes made by U.S.-based Crocs Inc. are to blame for at least three incidents in which respirators and other machines malfunctioned. The mishaps caused no injuries.

Hospital spokesman Bjorn Lofqvist said there were similar problems with other shoes not designed for hospital use, but the popularity of the Crocs had raised the issue to a new level.

“It’s been a problem for many years, but now there are so many people that have them,” he said, adding officials were discussing whether the sandals should be banned throughout the hospital or just in certain sections.

Messages left for Crocs officials after business hours were not immediately returned.

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