Magnetic fields and health?

[citronboll]

Hey!

First, I don't know if this is the right category for this post, but since this is more a science question than a computer question I thought this would be the best place.

On to the question:
I'm planning on buying a new set of speakers (Logitech Z-2300) and started to think about the subwoofer. It's quite big and powerful, and the magnet inside it is probably also quite big.

My concern is that this subwoofer will be placed pretty close to my bed (about 1 meter (3.28 ft)), and I don't know if permanent magnets affect your health? When it's powered on there will be electromagnetic fields, but not when it's turned off.

So, the first question:
Is there any known health concerns about permanent magnets?

The second question:
The magnetic field would probably have a short reach. How big would the magnetic field of a subwoofer be? would it be able to reach a meter (3.28ft)?

I don't know much about magnetism, so some help with this is very appreciated.

/Citronboll

[guytheninja]

Hows it going Citronboll?

You may want to check this website out:
http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/magnet_university/magnetic_fields_and_health.htm

14) Do laboratory studies indicate that static magnetic fields have any biological effects that might be relevant to cancer or other human health hazards?

No. Laboratory studies of the effects of static magnetic fields show that these fields do not have any consistent effects on tumor growth, cell growth, immune system function, or hormonal balance.

Unless you have a pacemaker, you are good to go!

Also, it has a bibliography at the end for future research.

[ariastar]

There are supposedly health benefits to magnets unless you've got a pace maker or one of a number of other medical devices. Of course in 50 years they might find out that large magnets cause adverse health effects, or that large magnets actually reverse cancer. Who knows Right now nothing bad is expected as long as you don't have a medical device that can be screwed up.

We've really become a society that expect everything to kill us.

[citronboll]

Hows it going Citronboll?

You may want to check this website out:
http://www.rare-earth-magnets.com/magnet_university/magnetic_fields_and_health.htm


Unless you have a pacemaker, you are good to go!

Also, it has a bibliography at the end for future research.

Thank you very much for that link! That was really interesting.

My conclusion is that a subwoofer doesn't produce a magnetic field strong enough to be of any risk. Thanks!

[citronboll]

There are supposedly health benefits to magnets unless you've got a pace maker or one of a number of other medical devices. Of course in 50 years they might find out that large magnets cause adverse health effects, or that large magnets actually reverse cancer. Who knows Right now nothing bad is expected as long as you don't have a medical device that can be screwed up.

We've really become a society that expect everything to kill us.

Yeah, that is true. There are health products such as magnetic matrasses. I guess I shouldn't worry to much about it. Thank you for pointing that out :)