Are neodymium magnets dangerous?
Short answer: in normal use neodymium magnets are safe: the magnetic field is not harmful to healthy people and the coated material is not toxic. There are, however, four real risks: (1) swallowing by children: two or more magnets can attract each other through the intestinal wall and cause perforations; (2) pinching of fingers between large magnets; (3) splinters when magnets snap together; (4) interference with pacemakers and ICDs. Keep at least 15 cm away from these, more for large magnets.
The risks at a glance
| Risk | When | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Swallowing | small magnets (spheres, discs) with children and pets | store out of reach; no toys made of loose magnets |
| Pinching | magnets from approx. Ø15 mm and pot magnets | let them approach slowly, gloves, spacer |
| Splinters | magnets snapping against each other or steel | do not let them snap; safety glasses for large magnets |
| Pacemaker / ICD | magnet closer than 15 cm to the device | keep distance, do not carry in a breast pocket |
| Electronics and cards | direct contact with magnetic stripe or compass | see magnets and electronics |
| Fire | grinding, sawing or drilling (fine dust) | do not machine magnets yourself |
Why is swallowing so dangerous?
A single swallowed magnet usually passes on its own. Two or more magnets (or a magnet and a piece of metal) can attract each other across different loops of the intestine and pinch the wall between them. Within hours to days this can cause a perforation, inflammation or a blockage. Children often have few symptoms at first, so it is discovered too late. Small strong spheres (for example 5 mm) are therefore not allowed as toys for children in Europe.
Do you think a child has swallowed one or more magnets? Go to the GP or emergency department immediately, even if the child has no symptoms. Bring a similar magnet if possible.
Our sphere magnets and small magnets are intended for adults and are not toys. Never give them to children under 14.
Pacemakers, ICDs and medical devices
A strong magnet can switch a pacemaker or ICD into a special mode or suppress a shock. Most manufacturers advise at least 15 cm between a magnet and the device. For large neodymium magnets and pot magnets we advise more distance. Do not carry magnets in a breast pocket and keep them away from insulin pumps and hearing aids. If in doubt, follow the advice of your cardiologist or the device manufacturer.
Pinching and splinters
The force between two magnets increases enormously over the last few millimetres. Two disc magnets Ø20 x 10 mm (approx. 12 kg holding power each) or large block magnets can give a finger blood blisters or worse. Large magnets from approx. 50 kg holding power can break bones. So work like this:
- keep strong magnets apart with a piece of wood or plastic of at least 2 cm in between;
- let magnets approach each other sideways rather than head-on;
- wear work gloves and safety glasses with large magnets;
- separate magnets sideways (see how to separate strong magnets);
- use a magnet dispenser for small disc magnets.
Neodymium is brittle. When magnets snap together, sharp splinters can fly off at high speed.
Is neodymium toxic?
Touching a coated magnet is safe. Neodymium is not radioactive. Grinding, drilling or sawing dust from the magnet itself is flammable and should not be inhaled. For people with a nickel allergy: the standard coating is nickel. For prolonged skin contact, choose a magnet with an epoxy or plastic coating. See why do neodymium magnets have a coating?
Frequently asked questions
Is the magnetic field of a neodymium magnet harmful to your health?
No. The static field of a permanent magnet is not harmful to healthy people. An MRI scanner is hundreds of times stronger and is used safely. The risks are mechanical (swallowing, pinching) and for medical devices.
May children play with magnets?
Not with loose small neodymium magnets. Use toys that comply with the European Toy Safety Directive, with the magnets firmly built in.
Can I take neodymium magnets on a plane?
Small magnets in your luggage are usually not a problem. Large, strong magnets can fall under dangerous goods rules because they can disturb navigation. If in doubt, ask your airline.
Read also
- Magnets and electronics: phone, bank card and laptop
- How strong is a neodymium magnet?
- Frequently asked questions about neodymium magnets
Questions about safe use? Contact us.
