The iPhone 12 could endanger your life if you use a pacemaker

Some time ago the rumor spread that some appliances such as microwaves could interfere with the pacemaker of some people. Neither this type of ovens nor metal detectors, TV remote controls, X-ray machines or electric pads negatively affect the pacemaker, according to the Quirón cardiology website in Madrid. But what about mobile phones? Can they affect pacemakers? Specifically… what about Apple’s iPhone?

Is the iPhone 12 dangerous?

Apple has been clear about it following the launch of its new iPhone 12. Those from Cupertino have declared the following through their own support page, regarding new iPhone 12 and pacemakers :

« iPhone contains magnets as well as components that emit electromagnetic fields. All MagSafe accessories (sold separately) also contain magnets, and the MagSafe charger and MagSafe Duo charger contain radioactive components. These magnets and electromagnetic fields could interfere with medical devices . Although all iPhone 12 models contain more magnets than previous ones, they are not expected to pose a greater risk of magnetic interference to medical devices than previous iPhone models. Medical devices such as pacemakers and implanted defibrillators may contain sensors that respond to magnets when in contact with them. To avoid any possible interaction with these devices, keep your iPhone and MagSafe accessories at a safe distance from your device (more than 15 cm away or more than 30 cm if charging is wireless). However, consult your physician and the manufacturer of your device for specific guidelines. »

That is, it would be totally Safe to use an iPhone 12 according to the words expressed by Apple, as long as the device is kept at a safe distance from the pacemaker .

But there are those who do not agree with this statement.

Certain tests could indicate that the risk exists

At the Henry Ford and Vascular Institute in Detroit, United States, Joshua Greenberg, cardiologist, along with other colleagues decided to use an iPhone 12 Pro with MagSafe technology (a magnet thanks to which the user can place the phone on the charging base and make it fit perfectly attached) to attempt to affect a cardiac defibrillator in some way. The doctor in charge of the study, Gurjit Singh, assures that the effect is remarkable. When the phone was brought close to the defibrillator, it came to a complete stop . When they removed the mobile, he resumed his activity as usual.

The doctor explains that the defibrillator regulates the rhythm of the patient’s heart by administering a small shock when he notices arrhythmias. The iPhone 12 Pro, according to its tests, is capable of turning off the magnetic switch of the defibrillator and causing the shock to not be delivered correctly. And it ensures that the operation of the pacemaker is similar , so it would affect him equally. Of course, the test has been with an iPhone 12 Pro together with a patient with a defibrillator, they have not done tests on patients with pacemakers.

There would have to be certain circumstances for a person to suffer some type of incident due to carrying an iPhone 12 near your pacemaker or internal defibrillator. For example, that at the time of the arrhythmia the telephone would directly affect the patient’s equipment. However and as Apple has made clear it is better to keep the phone at a certain distance and thus heal ourselves in health. Better safe than sorry.

Other news about … iPhone, health