Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with Medical Implants

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) with Medical Implants

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) with medical implants is a recognized occupational and environmental safety concern. In industrial, utility, healthcare, and commercial environments, electromagnetic fields may interfere with the normal operation of implanted medical devices. As a result, EMI risk assessments are essential for protecting workers, contractors, and visitors who rely on these devices.

IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. provides independent EMI evaluations focused on identifying potential interference risks and establishing safe operating distances. All assessments are conducted for safety and risk-management purposes only and are non-diagnostic and non-medical.

Medical Implants Potentially Affected by EMI

Modern medical implants rely on precise electronic signaling. Therefore, exposure to strong or rapidly changing electromagnetic fields may affect device performance under certain conditions.

pacemaker device

Common implants evaluated during EMI assessments include:

  • Cardiac pacemakers

  • Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs)

  • Deep brain stimulators (DBS)

  • Spinal cord stimulators

  • Cochlear implants

  • Insulin pumps and neurostimulators

Susceptibility varies by device type, manufacturer, model, and proximity to the EMI source. For this reason, generalized assumptions are not reliable.

Common Workplace Sources of EMI

EMI may be present in many work environments, particularly those involving electrical or magnetic equipment. Common sources include:

  • High-voltage electrical rooms and substations

  • Transformers, switchgear, and bus-duct systems

  • Welders, induction heaters, and RF sealers

  • Motors, generators, and variable-frequency drives (VFDs)

  • Permanent magnets used in industrial equipment

  • Radiofrequency (RF) communication systems

  • Medical and diagnostic equipment

Consequently, individuals with implanted medical devices may face elevated risk when working near these systems.

How EMI Risk Is Evaluated

EMI evaluations involve site-specific field measurements and task-based exposure assessments. IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. measures real-world electromagnetic field strengths using calibrated instrumentation.

In addition, evaluations reference published manufacturer guidance and recognized industry standards, including IEEE and ICNIRP recommendations. Professional judgment consistent with industrial hygiene practice is applied when interpreting results.

Recommendations are intended to support safety decision-making and do not replace medical advice or manufacturer-specific medical guidance.

Why EMI Assessments Are Important for Medical Implants

Medical-implant manufacturers often publish conservative exposure limits and separation distances. However, actual field conditions vary significantly by environment and task. Therefore, on-site EMI assessments provide more reliable and defensible information.

EMI evaluations may support:

  • Worker accommodation and job-task evaluations

  • Occupational health and safety programs

  • Return-to-work determinations

  • Facility risk assessments

  • Regulatory or compliance documentation

  • Legal, insurance, or workers’ compensation cases

EMI & Medical Implant Services We Provide

IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc. offers specialized services related to EMI and implanted medical devices, including:

  • On-site EMI and EMF measurements

  • Safe-distance evaluations for medical implants

  • Task-specific exposure assessments

  • Industrial and utility facility surveys

  • Medical-device interference evaluations

  • Written reports suitable for safety, legal, and occupational health use

  • Expert witness and litigation support

All work is performed by a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) with experience in EMI, EMF, and occupational exposure assessment.

When to Request an EMI Evaluation

You should consider an EMI assessment if you:

  • Have a medical implant and work near electrical or industrial equipment

  • Manage or operate facilities where implanted-device users may be present

  • Need defensible EMI documentation for safety or compliance purposes

  • Require manufacturer-based separation-distance evaluations

  • Need expert analysis for legal or insurance matters

Accordingly, our evaluations help determine whether an environment is suitable and identify practical risk-reduction measures when needed.

Contact EMI & Medical Implant Safety Experts

IAQ-EMF Consulting Inc.

National EMI & EMF Testing Specialists

(800) 862-9655     Contact Us

Providing independent EMI evaluations since 1990.