Neodymium magnets are the strongest type of magnets available. When using neodymium (rare earth) magnets, care must be taken to avoid personal injury or damage to the magnet.
– The strong attraction can cause serious injury.
Neodymium magnets are stronger than other types of magnets. Fingers and other body parts can be caught between two magnets. Larger magnets are more susceptible to injury.
– Keep out of reach of children.
Neodymium magnets are not toys. Children should not be allowed to handle neodymium magnets. Small magnets can be a choking hazard. If multiple magnets are swallowed, they can stick together through the intestinal wall. This can cause serious health risks and requires immediate emergency surgery if properly diagnosed.
– Neodymium magnets can affect medical devices
The strong magnetic fields around neodymium magnets can affect pacemakers, ICDs, and other implanted medical devices. Many devices that may be affected operate in magnetic fields. Therefore, care must be taken to avoid affecting such devices.
– Neodymium magnets are brittle and fragile.
Neodymium magnets are made of a hard, brittle material. Although they are made of metal, and have a shiny, metallic nickel plating, they are not as durable as steel.
Neodymium magnets can chip, chip, crack, or shatter if struck together. Protective eyewear should be worn when handling magnets, as broken magnets can eject small pieces at high speeds.
Neodymium magnets are difficult to machine because they are brittle and have a high hardness (around 60 HRC).
– Magnets can damage electronic devices
The strong magnetic fields near neodymium magnets can damage magnetic devices such as floppy disks, credit cards, magnetic ID cards, cassette tapes, video tapes, or other devices. They can also damage televisions, VCRs, computer monitors, and CRT displays. Avoid placing neodymium magnets near electronic devices.
– Neodymium magnets can be demagnetized at high temperatures.
Although the normal operating temperature of a magnet is 80 °C (175 °F), the actual maximum operating temperature of a magnet may vary depending on the grade, shape of the magnet, and how it is used.
– Neodymium magnet powder is highly flammable.
Avoid drilling or machining neodymium magnets without professional expertise. When ground into dust or powder, this material is highly flammable because rare earths react very strongly with oxygen even at room temperature.
– People with nickel allergies should avoid prolonged contact with magnets.
A small percentage of people have a nickel allergy, in which the allergic reaction can cause redness and skin rashes. People with nickel allergies should avoid direct handling of nickel-plated neodymium magnets.
– Strong magnetic fields can affect compasses and navigation.
IATA (International Air Transport Association) and US Federal rules and regulations cover magnets shipped by air and land. Magnetic fields can affect compasses or magnetometers used in air transport. They can also affect the internal compasses of smartphones and GPS devices.
– Neodymium magnets can corrode.
Neodymium magnets can rust or corrode in moist environments.
