The FDA is testing a strange magnetic health claim – but not because of vaccines

Your arms will not be magnetic after the Covid-19 vaccine, but the US FDA is conducting a review of how implant medical devices such as a pacemaker can be influenced while by the latest smartphone and can be used. The new FDA warning comes in the middle of the report that some medical devices have been placed on what is called “magnet mode” after recent consumer technology is used near them.

“Magnet mode” is a security configuration supported by implant devices such as a pacemaker and implant defibrillator. It is designed to allow when individuals are within high magnetic range during medical procedures, such as when undergoing MRI scanning. This automatically activates, to prevent damage to implant devices.

Recently, however, reported the administration of the US food and drugs has suggested several newer smartphones, smartwatches, and other electronics also triggered the protective mode. It’s a problem, because it can stop the medical device so it doesn’t work well when it is in a protective state. That means no longer monitor health conditions correctly, or even turn off some or all of its functions at all – a big problem if your pacemaker keeps your heart beats correctly.

“Ensuring the safety of our country’s medical devices is the basis of our consumer protection mission, especially because of the advanced technology,” Jeff Shuren, M.D., J.D., Director of the FDA center for radiological devices and health, said in a statement. “As part of this work, the review agency recently published articles that explain the possibility that certain new phones, smart watches and other consumer electronics with high-terrible magnets can affect normal operation of electronic electronic devices, such as pacemakers and implants Defibrillators. Based on our reviews, we decided to do our own testing to confirm and help inform the appropriate recommendations for patients and consumers. “

The FDA does not specifically quote a particular phone, although it should be noted that, with the launch of the iPhone 12, Apple is careful that the Magsafe system has the potential to disrupt medical devices. “Even though all the iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than the previous iPhone model,” Apple said, “they are not expected to rise to a greater risk of magnetic interference with the previous iPhone device.” However, the company conceded, if positioned close to medical devices, magnets on iPhone 12 and Magsafe accessories can, potentially, produce problems.

Recommended firm firms folded with the FDA, repeated current administration. Those who have embedded medical devices must maintain consumer electronics at least six inches when used. They must avoid carrying those devices in the pocket that is positioned on medical devices, such as pocket jackets inside if they have a pacemaker.

Individuals with medical devices must speak with their health service providers, if they have questions or problems about technology with strong magnetic components.

All the same, according to Dr. Shuren FDA, too early to worry too much. “We believe the risk of low patients and agencies do not know the existence of side effects related to this current problem,” he said in a statement. “However, the number of consumer electronics with a strong magnet is expected to increase over time.”

In a strange coincidence, the FDA warning came in the midst of other unfounded rumors about the Covid-19 vaccine. The latest speculation – driven by some online videos – is that, after being injected with drugs, the magnet can stick to your arm. That, the experts said, completely wrong.