Insight Security

Are Metal Detectors Safe for People with Pacemakers?

30-11-2023

We previously highlighted how police forces are using walkthrough metal detecting knife arches to raise awareness of knife carrying and crime. In this latest post we look into the safety of metal detectors for people with pacemakers.

When early walk-through metal detectors were first used at airports and other secure facilities, concerns were raised over whether these devices would interfere with implanted medical devices such as pacemakers and implantable defibrillators. Early tests and reports had shown how these older metal detecting systems could potentially interfere with older pacemakers. The same was true of early microwave ovens which weren’t shielded as effectively as modern devices, although many claim the suspected issue was overblown.

NHS Pacemaker Implantation Advice

The NHS provides excellent reassurance and guidance for patients fitted with pacemakers. Their guidance points out that anything that produces a strong electromagnetic field can potentially interfere with a pacemaker. This includes all household electrical appliances such as microwaves, hair dryers and induction hobs.

Patients are advised to keep hairdryers and microwaves at least 15cm (6 inches) away from their pacemakers. And they should remain at least 60cm (2 feet) away from an induction stove top.

Their advice for travellers who have pacemakers notes that airport security systems don’t usually cause problems for pacemakers. But they advise patients to carry their pacemaker identification cards and tell airport security staff they have a pacemaker before undergoing a metal detecting security scan. They also state that handheld metal detectors shouldn’t be placed directly over a pacemaker.

Its important that airport security staff are aware if a traveller has a pacemaker fitted as the pacemaker’s metal parts can set off the metal detector alarms.

Electrical Equipment and Pacemakers

As noted, all electrical equipment produces electromagnetic fields which could potentially interfere with a pacemaker or other implanted device. People fitted with pacemakers naturally want to know: Is it safe to use electrical home appliances?

The answer to this important question is - yes. Most electrical equipment and appliances used at home will not adversely affect a pacemaker as long as the equipment is in good condition and properly earthed. This means electric blankets, televisions, microwaves, toasters and other electrical equipment are all safe to use.

Its important for patients with pacemakers to be aware of precautions they need to take regarding the use of certain electrical appliances and equipment. For example, it is generally recommended that devices such as tablets or iPads should never be closer than 15cm (6 inches) to the pacemaker. Cellular, mobile telephones should also be kept at least 15cm (6 inches) away from pacemakers so it`s not a good idea to carry them in a breast pocket.

People fitted with pacemakers should also avoid using arc-welders and chainsaws as these powerful devices have strong electromagnetic fields that can potentially interfere with pacemaker functionality. Anti-theft devices, commonly used in shops, use strong electromagnetic fields which could potentially interfere with a pacemaker. But walking through these devices at a normal walking pace (devices are generally installed at shop entrances and exits) and not stopping or pausing while in the magnetic field, isn’t likely to cause any problems.

Radiation therapy for cancer patients can potentially damage the circuitry of pacemakers. Those providing medical treatment must be advised that a patient is fitted with a pacemaker so that appropriate shielding can be used to protect implanted devices.

And people fitted with pacemakers should be aware that magnets can potentially affect pacemaker functionality and they should always avoid being closer than 15cm (6 inches) to a magnet.

garrett metal detector arch — **Garrett Metal Detector Arch**

Garrett Metal Detectors and Pacemakers

As noted, although early metal detecting technologies could potentially interfere with early pacemakers this is no longer the case.

Garrett metal detectors use low frequency, non-ionising electromagnetic fields that enable the detection of metallic objects. The safety of these devices is confirmed by their compliance with a list of standards related to their effects on human nervous systems, effects on human tissue and effects on active medical devices, as well as safety hazards.

U.S. based Garrett Metal Detectors declare that its products have been fully tested and verified to not exceed the levels established in a list of standards that include:

ISO14117:2012, International Standards Organization, Active Implantable Medical Devices-Electromagnetic Compatibility. EMC test protocols for implantable cardiac pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators and cardiac resynchronisation devices.
ISO 14708-1:2000, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices — Part I : General requirements for safety, marking and for information to be provided by the manufacturer.
ISO 14708-2:2012, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices — Part 2: Cardiac pacemakers.
ISO 14708-3:2008, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices Part 3: Implantable neurostimulators.
ISO 14708-4:2008, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices Part 4: Implantable infusion pumps.
ISO 14708-5:2010, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices Part 5: Circulatory support devices.
ISO 14708-6:2010, International Standards Organization, Implants for surgery - Active implantable medical devices Part 6: Particular requirements for active implantable medical devices intended to treat tachyarrhythmia (including implantable defibrillators).

As can be seen, ISO14708 is a key standard with which Garret Metal Detectors comply. These parts of the ISO 14708 standard specify general requirements for active implantable medical devices to provide basic assurance of safety for both patients and users.

garret metal detectors conformity — **Garrett Metal Detectors - Declaration of Conformity Excerpt**

On their website Garrett Metal Detectors state:

“Extensive research has found no information that would indicate Garrett products have adverse effects on pregnancy, medical devices (such as pacemakers) or magnetic recording media.”

So the overall answer to the question: ‘Are Metal Detectors Safe for People with Pacemakers?’ is yes, they are. As long as they have been tested to these high standards. But there are precautions that people need to be aware of.