Currently strong magnets can still mess with pacemakers. Fun fact, some modern phones have magnets in them that can do that - be careful about resting your phone on your chest if you have a pacemaker. I think the wireless charging unit is to blame.

[–] roguetrick@lemmy.world 17 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

That's a feature btw, not a bug. If you go to the hospital with a pacemaker malfunction or we're trying to do cardioversion in a way the pacemaker doesn't do itself the only way we can turn it off is with a big magnet. That's why most ED and cardiac units have one for an emergency.

[–] Screen_Shatter@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago

I’ve heard about that. In a sense it’s sort of both since it can really mess someone up if they aren’t aware of the magnet. Someone told me awhile ago they can now do more than shut off the pacemaker and can even adjust the settings with specific magnets to reduce the need for invasive procedures. Not sure what the extent of that is but pretty neat if true!

[–] Rin@lemm.ee 6 points 1 month ago

In terms of electrical interferance, there's a lot that can go on. NFC transmits power indutively, cellular, wifi, sometimes with power sharing some you transmit electricty inducitvely too.

Apple phone's have "mag safe" which is basically a magnet. Phone also have speakers and microphones and rumble motors and compasses, all magnetic.

disclaimer: im'm tired and possibly wrong