Answer to Question 1
Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are becoming more and more common. RFID tags can be incorporated into products; they receive and send a wireless signal. By identifying doorways and other objects, these tags could be used to help people with impaired vision. They could also be incorporated into medication bottles so that people could more easily locate their medications and could be used to keep track of medications, medical devices, and patients. They can be incorporated into sponges used in surgeries so that sponges are not left in the patient. RFIDs have been approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for implantation in people.
An RFID transponder worn on a patient's wrist is being used in Florida to track patients suspected of having dementia. It tracks wandering, sudden veering, and repeated pausing. People with chronic illnesses were recruited several years ago by Blue Cross/Blue Shield (BC/BS) in New Jersey to have RFID chips implanted. Over a 2-year period, BC/BS was going to assess whether this lowered costs by reducing duplicate tests. However, dangerous side effects, including cancer, have been noted in animals. There is also concern that RFIDs interfere with pacemakers and implantable cardioverter defibrillators. However, the FDA, although continuing to study the matter, sees no cause for panic. By 2011, several states had prohibited employers and others from forcing implantation of RFID chips.
Answer to Question 2
B
