Re: Pu-238 Pacemakers

[John Goldsmith <gjohn@bgumail.bgu.ac.il>]

Professor Cohen is still giving false information.  As a pacemaker user
(or does one wear a  pacemaker ?)and internist :(1) most pacemakers use 
lithium batteries, which are far from ordinary, even though not using 
pu-238. (2) Operations for changing batteries/pacemakers are a local 
procedure, but far from trivial. (3) Finally, while some batteries can 
last ten years, most don't have such a long life expectancy.  Seven years 
is often cited, but to some extent that depends on the functions which are
 powered, and strength at which the signal is set.  Pacemaker users 
should have regular check-ups by specially trained staff, especially as the 
batteries get older. This is sent to all radsafe because the misinformation 
offerred by Dr. Bernard L. Cohen may be harmful.  
John Goldsmith, M.D., Professor of Epidemiology
                 gjohn@bgumed,bgu.ac.il

On Tue, 5 Mar 1996, Bernard L Cohen wrote:

> 	I apologize for the false info I gave on this. Pacemakers are 
> powered by ordinary batteries that last at least 10 years and replacing 
> them (every 10 years) is a trivial operation. Even I, a dedicated backer 
> of plutonium use, wouldn't recommend it for this purpose.
> 
> Bernard L. Cohen
> Physics Dept.
> University of Pittsburgh
> Pittsburgh, PA 15260
> Tel: (412)624-9245
> Fax: (412)624-9163
> e-mail: blc+@pitt.edu
> 
>