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While strong rare earth magnets, such as NdFeB and SmCo magnets, are widely used for various applications due to their strong magnetic properties, it is essential to be aware of safety considerations when handling these magnets.
Here are some essential safety guidelines:
Rare earth magnets, such as neodymium and samarium cobalt magnets, are powerful, and if they come together suddenly, they can cause injuries. Be cautious of fingers or other body parts getting caught between attracting magnets.
With large magnets, severe injuries can be caused.
Rare earth magnets are not toys. Children should not be allowed to handle strong magnets. Choking small magnets or playing with large magnets are equally dangerous to children. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can attach through intestine walls. This can cause a severe health risk, requiring immediate, emergency surgery if correctly diagnosed.
The strong magnetic fields near a neodymium or samarium cobalt magnet can affect pacemakers, ICDs, and other implanted medical devices. Therefore, you must take care to avoid inadvertently deactivating such devices.
Some people may have a nickel allergy, where an allergic reaction can cause redness and a skin rash. These people should avoid prolonged contact with nickel-coated magnets.
Strong magnets can interfere with electronic devices like credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, VCRs, cassette tapes, floppy disks, and hard drives. Keep strong magnets away from these devices to prevent potential damage.
Magnetic fields can influence compasses or magnetometers used in air transport. They can also affect the internal compasses of smartphones and GPS devices. IATA (International Air Transport Association) and US Federal rules and regulations cover shipping magnets by air and ground delivery.
Rare earth magnets are made of hard and brittle material. They are not as durable as steel, even if they look like steel. Magnets can chip, peel, crack, or shatter if they are slammed together. Eye protection should be worn when handling magnets.
Rare earth magnets can not easily be re-machined.
Rare earth magnets, especially Neodymium magnets, can become demagnetized at high temperatures. You should know the magnet grade and the maximum operating temperature. A magnet should be stored and used below the maximum temperature.
Though most magnets are coated and protected, they are still not waterproof. In humid environments or even water, neodymium magnets can rust or corrode and lose magnetic strength.
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