Concerned about Electro-Magnetic Intererence?

After seeing several new posts from new members concerning Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI), I thought I would do an update of my experiences. Your mileage may vary depending on your device.

I have had my Boston Scientific CRT-P (three-leads) for two years. I used my gas chainsaw again recently and again did not feel a thing. My electric chainsaw, 12" miter saw, 3/8 & 1/2 inch drill, metal detectors (hobby and security), metal detecting pinpointer (I do not deliberately hold it near my PM), 3D scanners, microwaves, Prius hybrid, lawnmowers (riding and push), working in a nuclear power plant near the big generators and electrical rooms, computer screens, welders (I do not weld, but have been nearby), leaning into running car hoods, vacuum cleaners, cell phones, cordless phones, radios, keyless entry fobs, have had no effect. I typically follow the 6-inch guideline to not get EMI fields within 6 inches of my PM, which is on my left side just under the collar bone. Being right-handed helps. Thus far, nothing I have found has affected my PM, and no artifacts of interference have ever shown on my PM readouts. I have come to believe that most of the precautions are lawyer-speak so the manufacturers can have a CYA clause.
That being said, if you are still concerned, there are several medical websites that can give you insights. Go to your manufacturer's website; for instance, Boston Scientific has a terrific website.
Good luck, and good life. PJ

5 Comments

Good observations, PJ

by donr - 2015-03-08 07:03:07

Lemme add my $20 (inflation, you know).

About 6 inches from a 220 V cable feeding a water heater drawing 30 Amps will cause your PM to flip into ?Test? Mode.

Lasterday & today I spent a couple hours using a Big Ol' Honking Bosch circular saw armed w/ a diamond blade to make a bunch of cuts in granite. Had the stones on a small table such that I could lean over the saw to hold the blade down. Had my Medtronic PM right on top of the handle of the saw while running at heavy load. Not a peep outa the PM.

You are correct - those precautions are written by lawyers, not engineers.

I'been doing such foolish things for nearly 12 yrs.

But on the other hand, let me tell you about the day I climbed the Channel 5 TV tower to hug the output slots on their broadcast antenna.....

Donr

Yeah, you're right

by Theknotguy - 2015-03-08 07:03:32

Yeah, you're right. There is a lot of misinformation out there that gets repeated over and over. There's also a lot of urban legends that get repeated over and over too. Add to that some people who like to be fear mongers and you get a lot of confusing information.

I'm happy to hear you were near big generators. I haven't heard any information on them. Mostly people don't say anything. So it's hard to get good clear information.

Like you, have been around equipment in a woodshop. No problems. Also used electric chain saw to cut down a 30 foot tree. No problems.

What is the link to Boston Scientific's site? You can spend a lot of time looking around the site and not find the exact page to which you are referring.

Thanks for the good report.

While you would not

by MelodyMarch - 2015-03-08 10:03:40

Want me working with power tools, I frequently work with powerful sound systems in theaters. The only time I have issues is if there is severe feedback, it sometimes resonates in my chest and makes a few uncomfortable beats pop out. Makes me feel woozy if it goes on too long.

That and the gunshots they use on stage sometimes startle me, and before my pm I would faint at those sometimes.

My life

by Janenotarzan - 2015-03-08 11:03:37

is so tame.

Links and other info

by PJinSC - 2015-03-09 09:03:43

Knotguy,

The Boston Scientific site is:
http://www.lifebeatonline.com/en-US/home.html

Another good site:
http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/Conditions/Arrhythmia/PreventionTreatmentofArrhythmia/Devices-that-may-Interfere-with-Pacemakers_UCM_302013_Article.jsp

Trivia: At the power plant, I was frequently near 6900V, 4160V, 600V, 280V, and some 400Hz high frequency equipment. The terminal voltage on the generators, 19,000V. Two switchyards 230,000V and 525,000V.

MelodyMarch,
Went to a big concert where the speakers were bigger than my house. My head was hurting so bad, I never noticed a heartbeat reaction. Interesting, though.

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