Fluxgate can replace SQUID for lung diagnostics

In this paper, a design of a magnetic fluxgate gradiometer and its application for magnetopneumography is described. Metallic dusts and fumes inhaled by industrial grinders and welders and deposited in their lungs can be magnetized by an intense DC field and subsequently detected by magnetometry. Traditionally, SQUIDs are used for such measurements. However, much cheaper fluxgate solution can bring useful results, as shown in this paper. The conducted in vitro and in vivo experiments have demonstrated the possibility of using this method for screening of professionals. Due to large variations in magnetic properties of coal dusts, this method is not suitable for examination of miners.