Re: Static Magnetic Fields in MRI suite where unit was removed

[Chris Alston <alstonc@odrge.odr.georgetown.edu>]

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>Date:         Mon, 6 Apr 1998 22:16:18 -0500
>Reply-To: Palmer Steward <psteward@inav.net>
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>From: Palmer Steward <psteward@INAV.NET>
>Subject:      Re: Static Magnetic Fields in MRI suite where unit was removed
>To: Multiple recipients of list MEDPHYS <MEDPHYS@LISTS.WAYNE.EDU>
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>John Moulder has a web page on Static Electromagnetic Fields at
>http://www.mcw.edu/gcrc/cop/static-fields-cancer-FAQ/toc.html
>Palmer Steward
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Diane Elmer <elmer@IDNS.STATE.IL.US>
>To: Multiple recipients of list MEDPHYS <MEDPHYS@cwis-20.wayne.edu>
>Date: Monday, April 06, 1998 5:27 PM
>Subject: Static Magnetic Fields in MRI suite where unit was removed
>
>
>>
>>         ** Mail from Medphys Listserver **
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>>subscribers to review ...
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>>
>>A friend has contacted me with an interesting question.  She is in charge
>>of an Imaging department in which a MRI unit was recently removed and a
>>new one was located in an adjacent room.  The management wishes to use
>>the old MRI room for another use such as office space.  However, the room
>>is still magnetized.  The service people have tried to "deGauss" it twice
>>and have lowered the readings to 1 - 4 Gauss depending on position in the
>>room.
>>
>>We would like to know if these levels should be considered safe for
>>employees.  Are there any established limits for exposure to static
>>magnetic fields such as this?  If so, what are they and which entity
>>recommends/enforces them?  Would anyone like to comment on the
>>possibility of effects on equipment such as computers, disks, CRT's,
>>pacemakers, etc.
>>
>