Magnets

Could a magnet on a name tag cause interference for a pacemaker? I received a metal name tag tonight that I'm supposed to wear as an usher at a performing arts center. It stays together with a magnet that is supposed to go on either side of the lapel of a blazer. I looked at the device and it has 3 small magnets on the back of it. Do you think it would be unsafe to wear it for a few hours twice a month?

4 Comments

Name Tag Magnets./..

by donr - 2012-10-10 04:10:56

...are a potential source of trouble.

Depends on the magnet & its strength. You have asked a "How long is a piece of string" question. There are as many kinds of magnets as there are noses on faces. They are probably rare earth magnets & pretty strong.

The only way to find out if they will be a problem is to test them! Most likely, when they are stuck to the little keeper bar that goes with the tag, they loose SOME of their magnetic strength - it essentially "Flows" through the bar & is captured by it. I just tested one I have - I NEVER WEAR IT. When off the keeper bar, it WILL pick up a package of hearing aid batteries sitting on my desk - when on it, the magnets WILL NOT pick up the same package.

If you REALLY want to know if it's safe to wear, stick the magnets & bar together & slowly approach it toward your PM. IF it's unsafe, your PM will switch into the test mode & you will feel just like when they download your PM. Move it a way &you'll feel normal again.

Personally, I'm not that curious! I just wear the #$%%$@# things on the other lapel, far enough away from my PM that they don't affect it. If anyone complains invoke the ADA - Americans w/ Disability Act. It allows you reasonable accommodation for your issue.

FWIW, I just tested mine on a paperclip on my desk. W/o the keeper bar, it picked up the clip from about 1/2 - 3/4 inch distance. W/ the bar it had to be half that distance. I held it on my right lapel area & felt nothing. If you want to try it, be my guest.

Don

probably fine

by Tracey_E - 2012-10-10 09:10:10

It's definitely fine on the opposite side. It's probably fine on the pm side. As Don described, you can feel it if it has an effect but it's not going to do any damage. Sounds like a fun job!

Magnets

by mytrose43 - 2012-10-10 10:10:56

Probably not strong enough to effect the pacemaker but to be sure I would wear it on the other side from the pacemaker i wear a magnetic necklace once in a while and have no side effects that i am aware of .Goood luck !!!
Valerie

Wear on other side

by lahbigbro6 - 2012-10-11 09:10:13

Just to be careful wear it on the other side.

You know you're wired when...

Muggers want your ICD, not your wallet.

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Pacemakers are very reliable devices.