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
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