High Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure in Paediatric and Female Patients with Implanted Cardiac Pacemaker

Abstract

Overview

This article investigates the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) from mobile phones on human tissues and implanted medical devices. The intensity of the electric field (E) is evaluated based on simulations and measurements of various exposure scenarios. The study pays special attention to individuals with an implanted cardiac pacemaker, highlighting the potential risks posed by EMF exposure from everyday devices such as mobile phones.

Exposure Limits and Concerns

• The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) has set exposure limits for the European Union to address growing awareness of potential health risks from radio frequency (RF) EMF.
• The study models and analyses EMF values in human tissues under ideal conditions, focusing on mobile phone use in the DCS (Digital Cellular System) band.
• Scenarios include individuals with an implanted pacemaker, with pilot simulations verified by experimental measurements to ensure accuracy.

Findings

• Maintaining a minimum distance of 15 cm between a mobile phone and a pacemaker is not sufficient for ensuring patient safety in all cases.
• Even at a distance of 30 cm, measured E field values for some pediatric and female anatomical models (e.g., Child-65.34 V/m, Laura-62.81 V/m) exceeded the exposure limit of 58 V/m for 1800 MHz, highlighting a continuing risk.
• The implication is a clear health risk connection between EMF exposure and safety guideline violations, particularly for pediatric and female patients with pacemakers.

Recommendations

• Extend the minimum safe distance to more than 30 cm from implanted pacemakers when using mobile phones in RF bands.
• Consider the use of protective equipment that reduces EMF exposure to body parts, ensuring such aids are certified for electromagnetic (EM) compatibility.