Certain fabrics may contain what components that can pose a risk during an MRI exam?

Fabrics that contain metallic fibers present a significant risk during an MRI exam primarily due to their ability to generate heat and potentially catch fire when exposed to the strong magnetic fields and radiofrequency energy used in MRI machines. The interaction of these metallic components with the magnetic field can lead to heating and can also create artifacts in the MR images. Consequently, items made with or containing metallic fibers should be carefully evaluated and avoided in the MRI environment to ensure patient safety and the integrity of the imaging process.

While fabrics made from certain plastics can pose risks of melting under specific conditions, and rubber components might indeed degrade, these scenarios are less common compared to the direct safety hazards associated with metallic fibers. Absorption of moisture by cotton fibers, while it may affect comfort, does not present a safety risk equivalent to those posed by metallic materials.