Managing EAS system and medical implant interactions

Electronic article surveillance (EAS) anti-theft systems use electromagnetic fields to prevent unauthorized removal of items. With over one million systems installed worldwide, EAS systems are a part of the "electromagnetic landscape". The electromagnetic fields are localized within the EAS systems and may be encountered by medical implant patients entering and exiting retail stores, libraries and supermarkets or in checkout aisles equipped with such devices. EAS label detection devices are designed to cover wide egress openings and to sense very weak tag signals, which often dictates that the interrogating electromagnetic field strengths be designed to utilize the allowable electromagnetic field emissions specified by applicable regulations and standards. As separate standardization bodies are concurrently developing different but related standards, the potential exists for inconsistent application of the ICNIRP Guidelines. As with all electronic devices operating in an electromagnetic field, the possibility exists for transitory or brief periods of interaction between medical implants and EAS systems. This paper describes the major types of EAS systems, how they work, where they are used, the potential for interactions with medical implants, and what has been and is being done to assure that any potential interactions are safe for medical implant users.