As noted by MacRumors, in a support document updated this week, Apple shared a list of products that should be kept a safe distance away from medical devices, such as implanted pacemakers and defibrillators, due to potential magnetic interference.
As well as listing products, here’s what the tech giant had to say: Under certain conditions, magnets and electromagnetic fields might interfere with medical devices. For example, implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact. To avoid any potential interactions with these types of medical devices, keep your Apple product a safe distance away from your medical device (more than 6 inches / 15 cm apart or more than 12 inches / 30 cm apart if wirelessly charging). Consult with your physician and your device manufacturer for specific guidelines.
If you suspect that your Apple product is interfering with your medical device, stop using your Apple product and consult your physician and your medical-device manufacturer.
Last month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advised the public that some newer consumer electronic devices such as certain cell phones and smart watches, have high field strength magnets capable of placing medical devices in their “magnet mode.” These magnets can affect normal operations of the medical device until the magnetic field is moved.
Many medical devices are designed with a “magnet mode” to allow for safe operation during certain medical procedures, such as undergoing an MRI scan. These safety features are typically initiated with the use of a high field strength magnet that is placed near the implanted device placing it into a “magnet mode.”
The FDA advises patients with implanted medical devices to consider taking precautions, including:
° Keeping consumer electronics, such as certain cell phones and smart watches, six inches away from implanted medical devices.
° Refraining from carrying consumer electronics in a pocket over the medical device.
° Talking to your health care provider if you have questions regarding magnets in consumer electronics and implanted medical devices.
The FDA encourages health care professionals and patients to report adverse events or safety problems to FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program.
