question

As a person who has just had a pacemaker fitted during the last couple of weeks, you will understand that I am a bit dazzled by all the information I have come across, regarding what equipment I can use as the magnetic field might upset my pacemaker, however, I am told that if shoplifters use a bag, which is lined with aluminum foil, it is impervious to the shop security when passing through the barriers, I know this as I am magistrate, in case anyone is worried about this comment!!

My question is, if you lined your chest with aluminum foil, will this prevent any interference to your pacemaker...!!!

3 Comments

EMF Seldom A Problem

by SMITTY - 2011-04-17 03:04:25

Hello Malcom.

The EMF generated by all hand tools will not be strong enough to affect pacemakers, if there is a 5 or 6 inch air gap between the EMF source and the pacemaker. Even the EMF generated by the alternators on automobile engines will not bother your PM. The only devices I can think of that may be a problem and are used by individuals are full size electric welders and there are precautions a person can take to drastically reduce the possibility of a problem from them.

In fact there are few things we run into in our daily routines that will affect our pacemakers. As Tracey said, should you encounter one just move away. I have a couple of experiences with the security gates in stores and both times it felt as if I suddenly developed a very irregular heart beat. It was so sudden and unexpected that, while it didn't frighten me, it certainly got my attention. From the time I felt the irregular heart beat until I could move away and have things return to normal was probably no more than 1 to 2 minutes.

Most of the information on items than can have an adverse affect on our pacemakers was written several years ago, and the circuit boards and shielding in pacemakers has been improved to the point it should no longer be a concern. But no manufacturer is will to run the risk of saying none of these things will affect our pacemaker and risk exposing themselves to the liability they could face if a freak of nature happened to affect one of their products. I'm in my 11th year with a pacemaker and I never give running into something that will interfere with the operation of my PM a second thought.

Smitty

interference

by Tracey_E - 2011-04-17 07:04:44

I guess it might for small sources of interference like store security, but I don't think it'd be worth the trouble! I just make sure I don't linger in them, walking through quickly has never caused a problem.

Small sources of interference (not big magnets, little stuff like store security) usually don't affect newer pm's because they're pretty well shielded. In the event it does affect it, all it will do is put it in the limited function mode they use to test it for the second or so you're near the magnet. As soon as you step away from it, it goes back to full function with no harm done. I'm fully dependent and have had a pm since 1993 so I've walked through a few store security systems, and I've never had a problem

interference

by malcolmr - 2011-04-17 11:04:14

yes, I understand about security scanners, but I was thinking more about using the foil to block the magnetic field when using electrical equipment.

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