Exposure to iPad May Affect Magnetic Shunt Valve Settings

Newer iPads may be a risk to children with magnetic shunt valves (used to treat hydrocephalus), as newer versions of the increasingly common device now contain magnets strong enough to change valve settings at close proximity. 

Newer models of Apple’s iPad contain 2 magnets, allowing for the attachment of magnetic covers. 

To test the dangers to children with hydrocephalus, researchers exposed the valves to iPad tablets – with and without magnetic covers attached – at varying distances (less than 1 cm, 1-2.5 cm, 2.5-5 cm, 5-10 cm, and greater than 10 cm), recording the results of 500 exposures. 

When 1 cm away or closer to the valves, the magnets contained within Apple’s device changed valve settings 58% of the time.  Changes at distances greater than 1 cm were far less significant, with 5% between 1 cm and 2.5 cm, and 1% between 2.5 cm and 5 cm.   Without the cover, valve changes were recorded in 67% of exposures at 1 cm or less. 

Researchers began the study after noting valve malfunction in a 4-month-old girl after her mother reported holding the infant and an iPad 2 at the same time. 

Overall, researchers admitted that in clinical scenarios, thick layers of scalp and tissue between the shunt iPad would likely lessen results. 

"With proper precautions to keep a tablet device away from close proximity to the valve, the continued use of these devices, even in the general vicinity of patients with programmable shunt valves, appears to be safe," they wrote. "General precautions taken with the iPad 2 should reflect common precautions taken with other household magnets."

-Michael Potts