In a recent development, French regulators have issued an order to tech giant Apple, instructing the multinational company to halt the sale of the iPhone 12. The directive stems from claims that the device emits levels of electromagnetic radiation that surpass those set by European Union standards for safe exposure. Despite the order, Apple continues to assert that their device is in full compliance with regulations.
The order was issued following the failure of the iPhone 12 – a device released in late 2020 – to pass one of the two tests for electromagnetic waves absorption conducted by the French government agency governing wireless communication frequencies. It remains unclear why only this specific model failed the tests, as well as what influenced the changed results in the latest round of testing.
France’s official for digital matters expressed that while the iPhone 12’s radiation levels exceed EU standards, they are still significantly lower than levels that could potentially harm users, as indicated by scientific research.
In response to the issue, the National Frequency Agency called upon Apple to urgently rectify the issue, particularly for phones already purchased and in use, and assured that device updates would be closely monitored. Should the updates fail to correct the problem, the agency stated that Apple would have no other choice but to recall the sold devices.
Recent testing by the agency on 141 cell phones revealed that when held in hand or a pocket, the absorption level of electromagnetic energy from the iPhone 12 was 5.74 watts per kilogram, which surpasses the EU’s safe limit of 4 watts per kilogram.
Despite these findings, Apple continues to declare that the iPhone 12 is internationally certified and in compliance with all applicable global radiation standards. The company also stressed that it had presented the French agency with multiple laboratory results, both from their own and third-party labs, to verify the phone’s compliance.
The agency conducts its testing in diagnostics labs using liquid-filled molds that simulate human head and body structures with brain and muscle tissues. Notably, the test is run for six minutes, where devices transmit at their maximum power. However, this method of testing has been criticized by some as it does not reflect the most common usage patterns of these devices.
The potential carcinogenic risk associated with cellphones remains a point of debate. The World Health Organization has placed them under the “possible” carcinogens category, alongside coffee, diesel fumes, and pesticide DDT. However, the radiation produced by cellphones differs substantially from stronger radiation types such as X-rays or ultraviolet light, which can cause direct damage to DNA.
While there have been studies pointing to a weak link between cellphone radiation and certain heart tumors in mice and rats, the implications for human users remain largely inconclusive. Notably, mobile phone habits have dramatically evolved over the years, leading to a growing uncertainty as to whether the findings of past research are still applicable today. Amid these concerns, experts recommend usage of earphones or opting for text messages as measures to reduce radiation exposure.
