Static magnetic field and scalp

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the penetration of static magnetic fields into human tissue, specifically the scalp, and the factors that may influence this penetration. Participants explore the implications of static magnetic fields in biological contexts, including potential effects on human physiology.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the effectiveness of static magnetic fields in penetrating human tissue, particularly the scalp, and inquires about factors such as blood flow and ion gradients that might affect this.
  • Another participant shares a personal experience with strong neodymium magnets, suggesting a practical demonstration of magnetic effects.
  • A different participant asserts that static magnetic fields do penetrate organic tissue and claims that nothing in the human body significantly affects this penetration.
  • Another participant provides information about MRI technology, stating that static magnetic fields can penetrate the body and noting that fields as high as 3T are used in imaging. They reference safety information indicating no direct effects of static fields on the human body, only indirect effects related to implants.
  • This participant also mentions a small, reversible effect on electrocardiogram data due to the interaction of moving blood and the magnetic field, noting that this effect is minimal below about 2T.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which static magnetic fields penetrate human tissue and the significance of various physiological factors. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives presented.

Contextual Notes

Some claims rely on specific conditions, such as the strength of the magnetic field and the presence of conductive materials like blood. The discussion includes references to safety and effects that may vary with field strength.

okiedokie
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hello!

I was just wondering, do static magnetic fields penetrate effectively into human tissue such as the scalp? What factors would affect the field? Blood flow? Ion gradients?

Thanks!
 
Biology news on Phys.org
okiedokie said:
Hello!

I was just wondering, do static magnetic fields penetrate effectively into human tissue such as the scalp? What factors would affect the field? Blood flow? Ion gradients?

Thanks!
I have some strong neodymium magnets. If I hold them in my palm (palm facing up) I can get a screw or nail to hang from the back of my hand.
 
okiedokie said:
Hello!

I was just wondering, do static magnetic fields penetrate effectively into human tissue such as the scalp? What factors would affect the field? Blood flow? Ion gradients?

Thanks!

Yes they do, and I don't believe anything in the human body can significantly affect this.
 
Static magnetic fields completely penetrate organic tissue.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses this fact. When you are in an MRI machine your head, knee, or whatever body part is imaged may be in fields as high as 3T.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magnetic_resonance_imaging

At the bottom of the Wiki entry, there is a safety section. It mentions no direct effects of static fields on the human body - only indirect ones, e.g. on implants such as pacemakers.

It is more difficult to find information on the direct effect of static fields on the human body. There appears to be "a small, reversible effect on electrocardiogam data. The cause is the interaction of moving blood (a conductive medium) and the field in the heart. The effect was minimal below about 2 T (but was seen as low as 0.1 T) and is not considered a concern."

http://www.ehs.cornell.edu/File/Magnetic_Field_Safety_Cryo_Guide_v3.pdf
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K