Implantable cardioverter defibrillator and 50-Hz electric and magnetic fields exposure in the workplace

The operation of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICD) can be disrupted by exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF). In the workplace, some workers can be exposed to EMF higher than in daily life. We present an approach aimed at assessing fitness for work in this type of situation, based on in situ case studies in the absence of clinical and in vivo studies.

A risk assessment protocol was developed to measure the 50-Hz electric and magnetic fields in the various places where the worker is likely to be present. These measures are taken in the worker's presence, while monitoring the ICD operation.

All cases of implanted ICD workers in EDF, the French electricity company (around 130,000 employees), and potentially exposed to high electric and/or magnetic fields, between 2004 and 2009 are presented. These three cases involved different work circumstances, with exposure to 50-Hz electric and/or magnetic fields. No interference of the ICD was observed.

This information provides the basis for the occupational physician to make a decision about fitness for work. This procedure can be extended to other medical implants and to electromagnetic fields frequencies other than 50-Hz.