Electromagnetic Fields and Pacemaker Interference : Helping People Back To Work
Richard Findlay is an electromagnetic field ( EMF ) safety specialist at EMFcomp Ltd . He has worked in electromagnetics for over 30 years and is past Chair of SRP ' s EMF & Optical Radiation Committee . In this article , he discusses EMF interference with medical devices and the problems of returning to work .
You have suffered a heart attack . You may have been clinically dead for a few minutes . Miraculously , you have been saved by skilled medical professionals , and have been fitted with an active implanted medical device ( AIMD ) such as a pacemaker or ICD ( implantable cardioverter-defibrillator ).
After such a life-changing experience , you make your first frightened steps back into working life . You are now reliant on an electronic device you know little about .
You have been given a 50-page EMF compatibility document for your device which lists over 250 items you should avoid or keep a safe distance from . These include almost every electrical item you can think of , from induction heaters to dog shock collars , airport security to car alternators , welding equipment to electrolysis . The risks are frightening . Static magnetic fields can activate AIMD reed switches , triggering a socalled magnetic mode . They can also inhibit shock delivery and therapy detection . Low frequency EMFs can induce currents in the AIMD , resulting in adverse functional effects ( pacing , inhibition , shock delivery ). High
frequency fields can heat up implant components , resulting in tissue injuries . However , the safety instructions given are vague , often stating that you should consult a responsible person to check any risks .
But whom do you consult ? Your line manager knows nothing about EMFs , but vaguely remembers a machine somewhere with a pacemaker warning sign . So you continue with your work , perhaps afraid of taking the issue further .
This situation occurs in workplaces across the UK and is becoming more frequent . As we become a less active , ageing population , the number of people with AIMDs is rising . It is estimated that worldwide , 8-12 million people have a pacemaker , and millions more have other types of AIMDs , such as insulin pumps , bladder pacemakers , heart pumps , neurostimulators , hearing aids and retina stimulators .
Theoretically , all UK organisations with five or more employees should have carried out a risk assessment for compliance with the
EMF Risk Assessment Steps
1 . Identify workplaces and commonly used areas 2 . Identify EMF sources 3 . Gather information about employees with AIMDs and working practices 4 . Gather information about identified individual AIMD characteristics 5 . Evaluate EMF exposure thresholds using manufacturer / ICNIRP / HSE guidance etc .
6 . Evaluate EMF sources identified using available information 7 . Determine level of EMF exposure 8 . Evaluate risk for EMF exposure levels using individual AIMD characteristics
4 Radiation Protection Today www . srp-rpt . uk