Abstract

Background: Implantable pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are designed to include a “magnet mode” feature that can be activated from magnets stronger than 10 G. This feature is designed to be used when a patient is undergoing a procedure where electromagnetic interference is possible, or anytime suspension of tachycardia detection and therapy is needed. A publication in Heart Rhythm demonstrates an iPhone 12 triggering the magnet mode of a Medtronic ICD.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to determine the separation distance between consumer electronic devices that may create magnetic interference, including cell phones and smart watches, and implantable pacemakers and ICDs where magnet mode can be triggered.

Methods: The static magnetic fields of the iPhone 12 models and Apple Watch were measured at several planes in 1 cm resolution using an FW Bell 5180 Gauss Meter with STD18-0404 Transverse probe (unidirectional probe).

Results: All iPhone 12 and Apple Watch 6 models tested have static magnetic fields significantly greater than 10 G in close proximity (1-11 mm), which attenuates to below 10 G between 11 and 20 mm.

Conclusion: The findings of this study support the US Food and Drug Administration recommendation that patients keep any consumer electronic devices that may create magnetic interference, including cell phones and smart watches, at least 6 inches away from implanted medical devices, in particular pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34600610/

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06/30/2020

Auto translated from French. Source: https://www.anfr.fr/index.php?id=425&no_cache=1&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews_preview%5D=1450

The obligation to inform the consumer regarding the specific absorption rate (SAR) is extended, from July 1, 2020, to all radio equipment emitting more than 20 mW and intended to be used near the body. This obligation was previously limited only to mobile telephones. The national agency of frequencies (ANFR) will reinforce the information of the users and will proceed to the control of these devices.

To improve public information and to take account of changes in consumption patterns and the appearance of new devices that may expose consumers to the airwaves, the obligation to display the SAR is extended to all radioelectric equipment whose maximum average power is more than 20 mW and intended to be used near the human body: phones, tablets, certain connected watches, wireless headsets … This obligation will thus allow consumers to choose their equipment in an informed manner. For these devices, the regulations already required measuring the SAR, but the display obligation was previously only applicable to mobile phone devices.

The SAR values ​​must appear in the instructions for use of equipment whose date of first placing on the market is later than July 1 as well as at points of sale, in the immediate vicinity of the equipment concerned. The obligation also applies in the case of free distribution and in all advertising. To ensure consumer protection, the limit value for the “limbs” SAR is set at 4 W / kg. This new value thus supplements the limits already set for the “head” and “trunk” SAR (2 W / Kg). 

As part of its mission to control public exposure to electromagnetic waves, the ANFR will therefore carry out verifications from July 2020 to ensure compliance with these new provisions. The results of the measurements will be available in an open data on the site www.data.anfr.fr.

Finally, to better understand what DAS is and what will change on July 1, the ANFR has designed videos and infographics for the general public – see https://www.anfr.fr/index.php?id=425&no_cache=1&tx_news_pi1%5Bcontroller%5D=News&tx_news_pi1%5Baction%5D=detail&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews_preview%5D=1450

Video in French https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzeEtapyG8o

The post ANFR: Radiofrequency (RF) radiation devices: SAR display reinforced to better inform the public appeared first on EMFSA.

Guide available (in French) https://www.anfr.fr/fileadmin/mediatheque/documents/expace/2020-guide-R%C3%A9glementation-DAS-FR.pdf

Background: https://www.emfsa.co.za/news/france-radio-equipment-the-display-of-the-specific-absorption-rate-sar-will-be-generalized/

The post French Agency ANFR: From July 1st 2020 SAR to be displayed on all RFR emitting equipment used in close proximity to the body appeared first on EMFSA.

Tablets, connected watches, radio controlled toys … From 1 ^st  July 2020, the specific absorption rate (SAR) will be displayed on all radiofrequency radiation emitting devices that can be used near the human body (up to 20 centimeters ). To date, this display requirement only applies to mobile phone devices.

Two decrees were published to this effect in the Official Journal of 17 November 2019.

The allowed limit values ​​of SAR are:

• 2 W / kg (watt per kilogram) for head and trunk;
• 4 W / kg for members (limbs)

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The ban is also in place at break times, with exceptions in cases of emergency and for disabled children, the French Education Ministry said in a statement. In emergencies, students can ask their teachers or supervisors for permission to use their phones. Meanwhile, high schools can voluntarily implement the measure.

Education Minister Jean-Michel Blanquer said the new rules aim to help children focus on lessons, better socialize and reduce social media use. The ban is also designed to fight online bullying and prevent thefts and violence in school.

Blanquer has hailed the legislation as “a law for the 21st century,” according to Agence France Presse, that would improve discipline among France’s 12 million school students.

“Being open to technologies of the future doesn’t mean we have to accept all their uses,” Blanquer said in June as the bill was going through parliament.

Nearly 90 percent of French 12- to 17-year-olds have a mobile phone, AFP reported, and supporters say the ban could limit the spread of violent and pornographic
content among children.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2018/09/05/french-school-cellphone-ban-students-return-class-without-devices/1199937002/

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Norwegian telecoms regulator Nkom said it had examined eighteen models of smart watch for children, and found that not a single one of them complied with national regulations on documentation for radio equipment safety. It said the dealers and importers had not carried out sufficiently thorough checks of the devices before bringing them to market. Nkom looked at the devices themselves, their packaging, documentation and customer information.

Nkom said the shortcomings ranged from the absence of the ‘CE’ European safety standard marking, lack of manufacturer or type designation, and lack of testing documentation. Many of them lacked any indication of radiation testing.

The regulator will be sending out notifications to the dealers and importers and in most cases, they and the producers will have the opportunity to propose a resolution to correct the shortcomings.

Watches that do not fulfil requirements could be transmitting on the wrong wavelength, could interfere with other equipment and could be emitting unsafe levels of radiation.

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