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For Your Safety 117
11. What about wireless communications device interference with medical
equipment?
Radio Frequency (RF) energy from wireless communications devices can interact
with some electronic devices. For this reason, the FDA helped develop a detailed
test method to measure Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) of implanted cardiac
pacemakers and defibrillators from wireless devices. This test method is now
part of a standard sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Medical
Instrumentation (AAMI). The final draft, a joint effort by the FDA, medical device
manufacturers, and many other groups, was completed in late 2000. This standard
will allow manufacturers to ensure that cardiac pacemakers and defibrillators are
safe from wireless communications device EMI.
The FDA has tested hearing aids for interference from handheld wireless devices
and helped develop a voluntary standard sponsored by the Institute of Electrical
and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). This standard specifies test methods and
performance requirements for hearing aids and wireless communications devices
so that no interference occurs when a person uses a “compatible” device and a
“compatible” hearing aid at the same time. This standard was approved by the IEEE
in 2000.
The FDA continues to monitor the use of wireless devices for possible interactions
with other medical devices. Should harmful interference be found to occur, the FDA
will conduct testing to assess the interference and work to resolve the problem.
12. Where can I find additional information?
For additional information, please refer to the following resources:
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF Safety Program
(
http://www.fcc.gov/oet/rfsafety
)
International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection
(
http://www.icnirp.de
)
World Health Organization (WHO) International EMF Project
(
http://www.who.int/emf
)
National Radiological Protection Board (UK)
(
http://www.hpa.org.uk/radiation/
)
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