The same day Apple launches iPhone 15, France threatens to recall all iPhone 12 models due to radiation issues that might be harmful to humans.
On Tuesday, the ANFR, the French authority responsible for radio frequencies, called on Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, as the phone model emits radiation past the accepted levels in the country.
Unless Apple can issue a software update to reduce the iPhone radiation levels within limits, the ANFR says it will force the company to issue a recall of all iPhone 12 models.
France’s digital minister Jean-Noel Barrot told the Le Parisien newspaper that Apple is expected to respond within two weeks, and emphasized that the company’s size is not relevant in their decision.
“If they fail to do so, I am prepared to order a recall of all iPhones 12 in circulation. The rule is the same for everyone, including the digital giants,” he said.
How much radiation does a phone give off?
According to the World Health Organization, the radiation emitted by phones is too low to pose any harm to humans. The WHO phone radiation page, which covers electromagnetic fields and public healths, explicitly says that “A large number of studies have been performed over the last two decades to assess whether mobile phones pose a potential health risk. To date, no adverse health effects have been established as being caused by mobile phone use.”
As for how much radiation an iPhone 12 gives off, the BBC offered this explanation about how they calculate devices’ Specific Absorption Rate (SAR):
“The ANFR requires the SAR of devices to be checked against two different ways a phone is used.
First there is a “membre” – or limb – check, for when a phone is in close contact with a person’s body, such as when it is held or placed in a trouser pocket. The SAR limit for this is four watts per kilogram.
The regulator said the device’s “membre” SAR was 5.74 watts per kilogram – higher than the limit.
There is also a check for when a phone is slightly further away, such as when it is in a bag or jacket pocket, but the iPhone 12’s SAR measure came in under this threshold.”
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Are phone radiation levels a threat?
The same WHO page cites a study that gathered data from 13 participating countries, which found that, with phone use of more than 10 years, there was no increased risk of glioma or meningioma.
Cell phones emit radiation in the form of radiofrequency radiation, or radio waves1. This type of radiation is also referred to as radio frequency (RF) energy2. Here are some key points about this radiation:
Radiation phone cases and EMF blocking – are they legit?
Still, if you are concerned, there is the possibility to buy a radiation phone case, although the brands who do offer such products do not look entirely reliable.
Do anti radiation phone cases work?
According to most experts, no, and the entire field of emf protection phone cases is pretty much a scam designed to prey on people’s fears. According to Wired, the FTC actually issued a warning on scams that claim to offer cell phone radiation covers and EMF blocking could be in fact more dangerous.
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