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Does the prius interfere with a pacemaker?

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by larrysoossin, Jul 29, 2008.

  1. larrysoossin

    larrysoossin New Member

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    A friend is buying one and asked me if the prius would interfere with her pacemaker? I know someone said there are high EMF FIELD ANYONE KNOW
     
  2. justlurkin

    justlurkin Señor Member

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    If she has ever ridden any subway or electric commuter train (such as the subways in cities like LA, NYC, Chicago, DC, Atlanta, San Fran, etc.) and never had a problem with the pacemaker, I don't see how the Prius would be a problem. All those electric subway cars use 600-volt electrical systems to drive their traction motors.

    Come to think of it, I've never heard of those public transportation systems ever giving anybody with a pacemaker problems, and millions of people ride them daily.
     
  3. sorka

    sorka Active Member

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    I doubt the Prius puts out much more EMF than most other cars.
     
  4. pewd

    pewd Clarinet Dude

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    have your friend read this thread
    and maybe do a web search on the subject
    and she should probably consult with her physician before making a decision

     
  5. lfwintx

    lfwintx New Member

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    Actually, the Prius brochure has a fine print warning about the SKS system and pacemakers, saying that people with pacemakers should contact their doctor about possible interference. My Prius is on order, but before ordering I contacted the manufacturer of my mother's pacemaker and they said she should be fine as long as her pacemaker stays at least 6 inches from the transmitter.
     
  6. chogan2

    chogan2 Senior Member

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    I looked up what data I could find on EMF fields in the Prius. My post 23 in this thread summarizes the results:

    http://priuschat.com/forums/prius-h...angers-what-you-should-know-about-emfs-3.html

    Based on two different sets of measures that I found, the Prius is no different from any other car in terms of the level of EMF inside the car.

    Many here have reported that driving a Prius reduces the stress of driving. So it might actually be a heart-healthy ride.
     
  7. blazer_5154

    blazer_5154 Heh, you said "member"

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    My SO actually has an equivalent device implanted in her hip (think back pocket area) for pain management and has never complained while riding in the Prius. Just for reference, she did complain of feeling light-headed when we visited the Hoover dam years ago and also says that metal detectors give her a strange sensation. From what I gather, the Prius must be fairly low level as far as EMF field-strength. Besides, the strongest fields would be in the engine compartment area, where the MGs are located, not in the passenger compartment.
     
  8. Tech_Guy

    Tech_Guy Class Clown

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    Thiere is a higher probability of your cell phone creating an EMF problem with a pacemaker than the electronics in a Prius.

    Keith
     
  9. spitinuri

    spitinuri Member

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    It is very unlikely that you will have issues of interference with a pacemaker. Pacemakers are sheilded. Cell phone interference is also extremely unlikely.

    There is a slight possibility that with the ice running and you leaning over the motor that you could possibly interrupt any pacing d/t emi. The vast majority of people will not be doing this. Again it's really only an issue if you are pacemaker dependant. Once you move away from the emi source (1 to 2 feet) the pacemaker will resume its normal function.

    The Hoover dam issue is a little different. Large magnets are probably best avoided (such a hydroelectric dam tours and MRI) Magnets cause pacemaker function to alter slightly while in contact. Once removed normal function returns.

    If you have a pacemaker you can contact the manufactuer and they will be happy to provide you with this type of information.:)
     
  10. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

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    Well, there is no mention of it at this site

    US FDA/CDRH: Electromagnetic Compatibility

    with pacemakers and impantable defib's, one has to use caution around any suspected source of interference. That means airport body scanners, MRI's at hospitals, electrical substations, etc.

    It's also important for a person with an implantable medical device - pacemaker, TENS, etc - to carry the appropriate Medic-ALert or other warning