Why Should I Be So Careful With Neodymium Magnets?
Because they’re far stronger than they look. Neodymium magnets can snap together hard enough to pinch skin, bruise or break bones, and chip or shatter into sharp pieces. Small magnets are extremely dangerous if swallowed. Strong fields can affect pacemakers and other implanted devices and damage cards and some electronics. A few simple precautions prevent nearly all of these problems.
Know the Risks
Pinching
Magnets can leap together from several inches to several feet away. Magnets over about 7 lb of pull force can pinch hard; large ones can break bones.
Shattering
They’re brittle. Collisions can throw sharp chips of magnet and plating. Wear eye protection.
Swallowing
Two or more swallowed magnets can attract through the intestines and cause life-threatening injuries. Keep magnets away from children and pets.
Medical Devices
Keep magnets away from pacemakers, defibrillators and other implants. The FDA advises keeping consumer electronics that contain magnets at least 6 inches (15 cm) from implanted devices; give strong magnets at least that much room.
Electronics and Cards
Strong fields can wipe magnetic-stripe cards, affect compasses and phone sensors, and damage older hard drives.
Dust and Heat
Magnet dust from grinding or drilling is flammable. Heat above 80°C (176°F) weakens standard magnets.
Safe Handling Checklist
- Wear gloves and safety glasses with large magnets
- Slide magnets apart; don’t pull them straight apart (how)
- Keep spacers between stored magnets
- Store magnets out of reach of children and pets
- Keep them away from implanted medical devices, cards and screens
- Never drill, cut or grind them
- If you have a nickel allergy, use coated magnets or avoid skin contact
If a Magnet Is Swallowed
Seek emergency medical care right away, even if the person seems fine. Tell the doctor it was a magnet and how many may have been swallowed.