Microwave Dangers: This Common Appliance May Be Anything but Harmless

Microwave Dangers: This Common Appliance May Be Anything but Harmless

This article by Dr. Mercola has some interesting points worth considering and worthy of further study. While I may not agree with everything he presents, there are some definite points of agreement, and points to ponder. Indeed, it warrants further research. I found a number of salient points in the article. Plasticizers DO leach into food. It is measurable and well-established. BPA is a prime example. It is a known carcinogen. Other plasticizers can leach from plastic into hot water. Teflon also degrades with heating. Nutrients are depleted by cooking and heating. So its a question of degree, not if, in many cases. Lastly, thermal effects in tissue have been well studied. That is what FCC standards are based upon. What about other effects on cellular chemistry? It is worthy of study without reflexive dismissal.

Stuart Bagley, MS CIH CSP
www.EMFTESTING.net

Radio frequency identification devices (RFID) and pacemakers and ICDs

Radiofrequency identification devices (RFID) and pacemakers and ICDs in Implantable Heart Device News and Information

In a study to determine how the use of radio frequency identification devices (RFID) can cause malfunction in medical equipment, the researchers stated,


The potential for harmful electromagnetic interference (EMI) by electric anti-theft surveillance systems on implantable pacemakers and defibrillators is known … (Emphasis added.)


RFID is used in autoidentification technology for security access cards, electronic toll collection, anti-theft clips in retail clothing and products. The study was conducted because this technology is becoming more common in medical and surgical supplies and equipment such as drugs, blood, surgical sponges, endoscopic capsules and endotrachael tubes.

Since there are so many medical devices used to track and monitor medical conditions in a hospital, concerns have been raised as to whether or not these RFID interfere with the proper functioning of equipment which could result in inaccurate or misleading data, or worse, negatively impact the care or treatment of a patient.


The results, published in the June 25, 2008 Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA), indicate that there was interference with medical devices commonly in use in hospitals. The results reported in the JAMA abstract said that in 123 tests for electromagnetic interference, there was an average of three sources per medical device. RFID induced 34 incidents of electromagnetic interference, of which 22 were classified as hazardous, 2 as significant and 10 as light.


In addition, the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has put out important guidelines on this subject: “Medical Devices and EMI: The FDA Perspective”

Machine shops require careful examination for EMI.

Besides being important information for the general population, it is especially important for physicians and cardiologists and patients with pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) since it highlights the need for wearers to be aware of electromagnetic fields that exist in their environment. Exposure to electromagnetic fields can, in certain situations, cause a malfunction in the normal operation of a pacemaker or ICD. It is reported that the malfunctions are usually temporary and not severe, but the frequency of occurrence could be problematic for the patient. Sometimes the patient may experience dizziness, light-headedness, a shock or discomfort. In any event, the episode should be reported to the patient’s doctor.


Often when a pacemaker or ICD is implanted, the physician or cardiologist suggests an environmental study be conducted to ascertain if there are likely to be any harmful electromagnetic fields in the patient’s home or work environment. As well, employers sometimes request site surveys to limit the risk of the employee being harmed at work and to conform with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (also known as ADA).


For a complete survey and report outlining results and recommendations, contact EMF Testing Services at (800) 862-9655 or email info@EMFtesting.net. Visit the website EMFtesting.net for more information.


–Elaine of the EMF Testing Service Blog Team

A Blog about Pacemakers, ICDs and Electromagnetic Fields

Over 3 million people in the world have a pacemaker or ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) and another 600,000 are being implanted every year. Most people know someone who has a medical device implanted in his chest. Patients, families, physicians and employers all want the same thing – environments that are safe and healthy where people with implanted heart devices can lead active lives.



Medical devices like pacemakers and ICDs have improved longevity and quality of life for many. But returning to daily activities after implantation takes some getting used to – and some understanding of potential hazards. Motors, magnets, equipment and towers can create electromagnetic fields (EMF) that may result in electromagnetic interference (EMI). That EMI can cause device malfunctions.

Finding information about living with a pacemaker or an ICD is not easy. It’s even more difficult to find information about the effects of EMF on such devices. After receiving a Master of Science degree from Wayne State University and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan, and both public and private sector experience in Occupational and Environment health, EMF Testing Services president Stuart Bagley, MS, CIH, CSP saw this information gap. Likewise, he saw concerned employers at a loss. He wanted a place where everyone had access to the information and resources they needed in order to make the transition to living with a pacemaker or ICD happen smoothly for all concerned.



For that reason, EMF Testing Services is launching this new website and blog as a way to share information and news. It is for everyone:
 •Heart Patients with an implanted medical device looking to understand and mitigate potential risks.


•Medical professionals seeking news and resources for patients.


•Business owners, human resources professionals and safety officers searching for information to help them accommodate employees returning to work after implantation (Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990).


Through this blog and the EMF Testing Services website, information will be shared with all who need and seek it.

We welcome you, and hope you will return often to learn about making life safe and healthy for those with implanted heart devices like pacemakers and ICDs.

We can be reached at (800) 862-9655 or by email at MoreInfo@EMFtesting.net


 –Elaine of the EMF Testing Services Blog Team

EMF Expert Stuart Bagley Presents Program at American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exhibition

Stuart Bagley, MS CIH CSP, President and Senior Consultant

of EMF Testing Services, recently presented a paper at the national conference of the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exhibition (AIHCE).

Slated as the premier Conference & Exhibition for Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety Professionals, AIHCE was held May 22 – 27 in Denver, Colorado. Thousands were in attendance, with over 300 exhibitors and hundreds of educational sessions presented.

As an expert in the field, Stuart Bagley, MS, CIH, CSP presented a program on electromagnetic fields (EMF) in the workplace. His presentation centered on the incidence of EMF in the work environment and especially on the impact EMF has on persons with implanted heart devices such as pacemakers and ICDs (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators).

The implications to patients can be serious and employers must be aware of, and mitigate, the risks to any employee with an implanted heart device to remain in compliance with the Americans with Disabilties Act of 1990. It does not matter if you are a patient, a physician, or an employer, all can benefit from the information presented. The PowerPoint presentation is available for viewing in its entirety at the website of EMF Testing Services.

Physicians and device manufacturers often recommend a site survey prior to an employee returning to the workplace after implantation. Identifying the potential hazards in work situations is the first step to ensuring a safe environment for employees. Watch the PowerPoint presentation and visit EMF Testing Services at their website. You may call (800) 862-9655 or email us at info@emftesting.net to get answers to your questions.


– Elaine and Stuart of the EMF Testing Services Blog Team

Do hybrid automobiles emit electromagnetic fields that put pacemaker and ICD wearers at risk?

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) effecting pacemakers and ICDs (implantable cardioverter defibrillators) is a big concern for physicians and their patients considering or undergoing implantation of a heart device. Hazards can be found in the home or workplace and should be identified as soon as possible to mitigate the risks to the device wearer.


One arena that should be considered is a bridge between home and work and that is the automobile. Car mechanisms can create electromagnetic fields (EMFs) that can impair the operation of a heart device. With the growing availability and popularity of hybrid automobiles, the opportunity of EMI widens.


According to the blog of Dr. Westby G. Fisher, MD practicing at North Shore University Health System in Evanston, IL and an Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine at University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine,

Heart device wearers should nor repair their own hybrid motors.

“There’s been some recent reports of people returning their Toyota Prius or Camry Hybrid, Lexus GS450h, or other newer hybrid cars due to fears over interference with these cars’ “smart keys” (which detect when the key is within three feet of the car) and pacemaker or automatic defibrillators. … if a pacemaker or defibrillator were sufficiently close to one of these antennas, then there could be the potential for interference.” (Emphasis added.)The doctor checked with heart device manufacturers Medtronic, St. Jude and Boston Scientific, the three leading manufacturers in the United States. He concludes:
“In summary, with smart keys, there seems to be a consensus that the risk of interference with pacemakers and defibrillators is low, especially if the smart key is not left near the device (i.e., in a shirt pocket). Regarding interference with the electric motor components of hybrid cars, two manufacturers have recommendations regarding being too near the engine and that operating a hybrid car should be quite safe, as long as the operator with a pacemaker of defibrillator does not try to become a mechanic for their own car. “While the risk may be categorized as low, it depends on proximity to the source of the EMF. How close is too close? Each patient and condition is unique and so the answer to that question may vary. Many physicians and manufacturers suggest an EMF site survey be completed for the home and workplace of patients before returning after implantation. With the questions surrounding the potential hazards with hybrid motors and smart keys, this bridge between the two should be assessed as well.


Experienced professionals at http://emftesting.net/ EMF Testing Services can assess home, work and of course your hybrid automobile. Complete and easy to understand reports are provided to clearly identify any hazards and make recommendations for the safety of the patient, and provide assurances for the employer and the knowledge of the treating physician. Call (800) 862-9655 or email: info@emftesting.net for more information.”

--Elaine of the EMF Testing Services Blog Team