Gadgets such as cell phones and smartwatches can interfere with the normal functioning of the body. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned on Thursday.
The FDA recommends keeping a mobile phone and smartwatch at least six inches away if you have a heartbeat, a pacemaker, a defibrillator and other essentials for life.
CBS News reports that the magnet inside the smart gadget can block the effectiveness of such medical devices. Suddenly the 'magnet mode' may be activated in them. Magnetic mode is automatically turned on in most devices to perform MRI scans or similar procedures smoothly. However, in other cases, there is a risk of the opposite.
The FDA says the response between magnets and medical equipment is not very similar. However, if any device has been replaced in the body, the company has advised not to keep gadgets like mobile phones in the pocket near it.
The FDA said in a statement that approaching strong magnets could disrupt the normal functioning of medical equipment. For example, a defibrillator works to keep the heart rate normal. However, the defibrillator may not be able to detect if the patient's heart rate increases for any reason while in the presence of a strong magnet.
Despite warnings, the FDA said it was not yet aware of any strong response from the gadget to medical equipment. And the risk is not too high.
Apple has also warned
Last March, the US company Apple also warned about this. The company's website says, 'Sensors in medical devices such as body-mounted pacemakers and defibrillators can respond when they come very close to magnets and radio waves. Keep iPhone and MagSafe (wireless charging technology) accessories at a safe distance (at least six inches in the normal case and at least 12 inches away when charging in wireless technology) to avoid potential embarrassment. However, consult with physicians and instrument manufacturers for specific instructions.