Safety
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2.2.3 The 0.5 mT (5 Gauss) Line
Medical Implants and Pacemakers
A static magnetic field can cause pacemakers and heart defibrillators to switch into default
and reset mode. The characteristics of default and reset mode can be programmed and are
determined by the manufacturer. A physician can initiate a controlled switch into special
mode with a strong permanent magnet. He does that to:
• Control pacemaker and heart defibrillator.
• Set a determined frequency for some cycles (independent from the actual need of the
body).
• Disable certain functions of the defibrillator.
As soon as the magnet is removed, the pacemaker or heart defibrillator starts working
normally again. Newer pacemakers switch into special mode at 1 mT, older models already
at 0.5 mT (5 Gauss).
Source: www.supermagnete.ch
Pregnant Workers
There are no special guidelines concerning magnetic fields that we are aware of for pregnant
workers when compared to all other people.
Pregnant workers are mentioned in Section E of the Annex to the EMF Directive (European
Community regulation form, Directive 2013/35/EC), which warns about using cell phones
during pregnancy (i.e. warnings about high frequency electromagnetic fields).
We are not aware of other special guidelines for pregnant workers concerning magnetic
fields, when compared to other people.
Bruker takes a conservative approach and recommends that all pregnant workers should
stay outside the 0.5 mT (5 Gauss) line, which is known as a general guideline for public
access.
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