Osaka Medical University Public Lecture

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February 7, 2004: Announcement of the Public Symposium on Electromagnetic Interference with Cardiac Pacemakers

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●February 7, 2004: Participants of the Public Symposium on Electromagnetic Interference with Cardiac Pacemakers

(Unit: people) Total: 215 participants

●February 7, 2004: Q&A from the Public Symposium on Electromagnetic Interference with Cardiac Pacemakers (Response 1)

[Q] Question	[A] Answer
Although effects were confirmed only under unlikely everyday conditions, what do you think is the main reason why patients still feel anxious? (From a doctor)	Many individual patients are psychologically influenced by media reports or rumors. It seems that accurate information is not easily recognized.
Do mobile phones or induction cookers have any effect on the heart of a healthy human body? If they do, what kind of heart defect would be affected?	There is no concern for the hearts of healthy individuals.
What do you think about the train announcements saying "Please turn off your mobile phones"? Are they really necessary?	As a patient, rather than demanding others to turn off their phones, I believe it's a matter of etiquette.
Regarding turning off mobile phones on trains, many railway companies prohibit calls but allow email. What is your opinion on this?	Emails and phone calls are subject to the same conditions. It’s a matter of manners.
Does exposure to strong electromagnetic waves reduce the battery life of pacemakers?	If the device itself is exposed to strong electromagnetic waves, the battery capacity may decrease.
Is it true that bipolar lead pacemakers are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference than unipolar ones?	Unipolar leads are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference than bipolar leads.
You mentioned the possibility of strong electromagnetic interference, but what level of electromagnetic waves are we talking about?	In everyday and work environments (referred to as the natural environment), it is very difficult to quantitatively assess the strength of electromagnetic waves. If there is a possibility of entering an area with strong electromagnetic waves or magnetic fields, we recommend conducting an environmental survey in advance. Please consult us if you wish to request an environmental survey.
Is it possible to develop pacemakers that are unaffected by electromagnetic waves?	Various pacemaker manufacturers are working on this. At present, it does not seem to be available. While blocking electromagnetic waves is not the original purpose of pacemakers, efforts are underway. We have high hopes for the future.
I work around multiple wireless systems. Can they cause pacemaker malfunction? If so, are there countermeasures? Also, is there any way to enter large power generation facilities or rooms with strong magnets (such as particle accelerators)?	We cannot answer without a detailed environmental assessment of the equipment and conditions. However, if you wish, we can investigate.
It was mentioned that the size of the cookware matters for IH cookers. Is it problematic if the pot doesn’t fit the coil exactly?	Yes, it is problematic if the pot does not fit the coil perfectly. There should be no gaps.
Doctors use mobile phones in hospitals and say it’s not a problem. Why is that?	Doctors in hospitals use PHS phones, which have low output, so they do not pose a problem.
Please explain more about the safety of electric carpets and electric blankets.	It is not advisable to lie face down on them. It is recommended to warm them sufficiently before going to bed and then turn them off while sleeping.
I use a microwave oven every day at work. After 2–3 hours, I feel tightness in my chest, which goes away when I step outside. Are there any garments that block electromagnetic waves?	Household microwave ovens are generally not a problem. If a pacemaker user were affected by electromagnetic waves, symptoms would likely appear immediately.
Is there any danger in pachinko parlors? I always use my right hand to operate the lever. Aren’t magnets used in pachinko machines?	Normally, pachinko machines are not problematic. However, some people may bring illegal devices that emit strong electromagnetic waves to cheat. This poses a concern. Also, machines with potential for electric leakage are generally problematic.
What about video game consoles?	They are not a problem, but devices that may leak electricity should be avoided.
Do keyless entry systems or hybrid cars from various car manufacturers affect pacemakers?	Keyless entry systems differ by car maker and model, so investigation is needed. Hybrid cars are shielded inside, so they do not pose an issue.
I visited a hydroelectric power plant and approached the turbines. I informed the staff that I had a pacemaker, but they said there has never been a problem. Is that safe?	Areas accessible to visitors are generally safe. However, since the actual situation is unclear, an investigation may be necessary. We will conduct one if needed.
Are body fat scales safe?	Body fat scales use weak electric currents to measure fat levels. There is a risk of pacemaker malfunction, so they should be avoided.
Are linear motor electric shavers safe?	They are safe. Just be sure not to bring them into direct contact with the pacemaker.
I feel tired after using a computer. Could this be due to electromagnetic waves?	Feeling tired from using a computer is unrelated to electromagnetic waves. Normal use does not affect pacemakers.
My gas stove includes a built-in far-infrared fish grill. Do I need to keep a 50 cm distance like with IH cookers?	Far-infrared radiation is not a problem.
Women often act like it doesn’t concern them, and people are less cautious on trains. Pacemaker users ride with anxiety. While Kanto trains have shielded glass, Kansai lags behind. Train conductors and the media should raise more awareness. Also, isn’t it dangerous for pilots with pacemakers to be exposed to radiation during flights?	Radiation used for cancer treatment is problematic. However, naturally occurring radiation is not an issue. The concern lies with electromagnetic waves emitted by medical radiation equipment, not environmental radiation.
Are electric massage chairs safe for people without pacemakers?	There is generally no problem.
Are magnetic anti-theft gates allowed?	They are in use. There might be a momentary effect on pacemakers when passing through, but once past, the pacemaker resumes normal function. Passing through them should not cause a problem.
I do desk work and use a foot warmer for long hours. Does it affect pacemakers?	Foot warmers do not affect pacemakers.
My child has a pacemaker implanted in the abdomen. I’m worried about impacts from balls during sports like baseball or soccer. Is there any protective gear?	External force from balls can damage the skin over the pacemaker pocket. Using something like a belly band for protection is recommended. Though it may feel uncomfortable for the child, athletes in American football or baseball use protective gear, so your child may accept it. Martial arts are not recommended.
I had heart surgery at age 8 (atrial septal defect) and got a pacemaker at 34. If I had gone to the hospital earlier, could I have avoided needing a pacemaker? Is it related to the surgery at age 8?	Without access to your medical records and other details, we cannot determine the relationship.
Compared to pacemakers, ICDs are not well-known. Shouldn’t there be more outreach or awareness activities?	Currently, there are about 2,000 to 3,000 ICD patients. As the number increases, patient organizations will grow and awareness will naturally rise.
How do ultrasound devices used for treatment or diagnosis affect pacemakers?	Ultrasound used in hospitals for treatment and diagnosis does not pose a problem.
What about the impact of radio wave and microwave treatment devices used in hospitals?	Radio waves and microwaves do have an effect.
Among the devices that can affect pacemakers under extreme experimental conditions is the electric scalpel. Is it safe to use during pacemaker implantation or replacement surgery?	There are two types of electric scalpels used during surgery. One is the monopolar electric scalpel, commonly used for cutting or hemostasis, and the other is the bipolar electric scalpel, mainly used for hemostasis. The bipolar type does not affect pacemakers, so it is commonly used during implantation or replacement procedures. If the pacemaker is not yet connected to leads (not yet implanted in the body), monopolar scalpels can also be used. For surgeries unrelated to the pacemaker, it is possible to use a monopolar scalpel by simply changing the pacemaker settings before surgery, without removing the device. Pacemaker patients can undergo various surgical procedures with peace of mind. Be sure to inform your doctor in advance that you have a pacemaker and have them consult a pacemaker specialist. Doctors familiar with pacemakers can easily adjust the settings during surgery.
Is MRI prohibited? Are there alternative diagnostic options?	MRI cannot be used. Alternatives like CT scans are available. Be sure to inform your doctor that you have a pacemaker and consult before proceeding with treatment. Generally, if you have metal devices in your body, you cannot undergo MRI or enter the MRI room. Since pacemakers and leads are metal and implanted in the body, MRI is not possible. Instead, brain conditions can be assessed using CT or other diagnostic tools compatible with pacemakers. (Note: Some types of metal may be compatible with MRI depending on the material.)
If a pacemaker user develops a brain disorder, are there alternatives to MRI?	If you have metal in your body, MRI is not allowed, and you cannot enter the MRI room. Pacemakers and their leads are made of metal and implanted in the body, making MRI impossible. Instead, CT scans or other compatible imaging methods can be used to diagnose brain disorders. Be sure to inform your doctor that you have a pacemaker and consult for appropriate care. (Note: Some metals may be MRI-compatible depending on their composition.)
Are there any legal obligations imposed on manufacturers of electromagnetic wave-emitting devices regarding their effects on the human body? (This refers to regulation from a human health perspective, not just spectrum allocation. There is concern that devices like IH cookers could proliferate without regulation.)	Currently, there is no legal obligation specifically addressing human health effects. For electrical products, the Electrical Appliance and Material Safety Act stipulates that products not complying with the "Ordinance on Technical Standards for Electrical Appliances" must not be sold or displayed for sale. Appendix Table 8, "1. Common Items," (5) "Noise Level," specifies leakage electromagnetic wave limits in the 526.5kHz to 18GHz range. In addition, wireless equipment like mobile phones is regulated under the Radio Act for parameters like signal format and output power.
Is it necessary to cover the entire body with shielding clothing to achieve effective protection from electromagnetic waves? Would covering just the pacemaker area with thick, highly conductive material be insufficient?	Electromagnetic waves can diffract, which means they can bend around objects—just like mobile phones can receive signals even behind buildings. Therefore, if you place shielding only over the pacemaker, waves can diffract around the edges and penetrate. It is better to cover the area surrounding the pacemaker entirely.
Are there any shielding methods other than clothing?	Yes. Shielding is possible by using highly conductive materials arranged to cover the pacemaker area, not just clothing.
I heard that there are shirts that block electromagnetic waves. How can I purchase one? Where can I buy shielding materials or clothing? Are these garments affordable and practical for patients? What are they made of, and how safe are they? If I wear new shielding clothing, can I be protected from IH cookers? What about their durability and cost? Are there reliable shielding shirts? Are they safe to use? How effective are they with IH?	New electromagnetic shielding garments are highly effective against plane waves and near-field electric fields but generally less effective against near-field magnetic fields. IH devices emit both near-field magnetic and plane waves. If a pacemaker is affected by plane waves, new shielding garments can provide protection from IH devices. We are currently preparing tests using IH devices. Research is ongoing to determine which types of waves interfere with pacemakers. Once results are available, we will report them. Effectiveness is under evaluation. Some companies now offer clinical sales models for these garments. They are sold only to individuals who understand their use and protection level after thorough consultation. Please feel free to contact us.