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FDA Issues Warning on Magnets in Cell Phones and Smart Watches
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning that strong magnets in some cell phones and smart watches can interfere with pacemakers and other implanted medical devices.
Magnets and Implanted Devices
Studies have shown that these high strength magnets may cause some implants to switch to “magnet mode,” stopping normal functioning until the magnet is moved away from the device. Implanted devices are designed to aid heart rhythm disorders, such as fast or slow heart rates. If the device stops working, a patient could get dizzy, lose consciousness or even die.
Many implants have a “magnet mode” so they can safely be operated during medical procedures, such as MRIs. Doctors typically activate these features by placing a high-strength magnet near the implant. Removing the magnetic field restores normal operation of the medical device.
The warning was issued May 13, coming roughly four months after Apple put out a similar warning back in January.
Taking Precautions
The FDA said patients with implanted medical devices should take these precautions:
- Keep cell phones and smart watches six inches away from implanted medical devices. Do not carry these devices in a pocket over the medical implant.
- Check your device using a home monitoring system. Talk to your doctor if you are having any symptoms or have any questions about magnets in consumer electronics and implanted medical devices.
- When near high-strength magnets, devices with a magnetic safe mode could stop working or change how they work.
The FDA conducted its own testing on some products that use the high field strength magnetic feature and says it considers the risk to patients low. The FDA did say the number of consumer electronics with strong magnets is expected to increase over time.
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This entry was posted on May 26th, 2021 at 02:01:00 pm by BlogMe@iaatpa.net (IAA) and is filed under Food and Drug Administration (FDA).