France Issues Ban Due to iPhone 12 Radiation Exposure

While the world is celebrating the release of the new iPhone 15, France has something else on their schedule. As the EU has issued a form to make iPhones have the same charging port as other phones in the market, the iPhone is facing another issue in addition. According to the French government, the country is facing iPhone 12 radiation exposure. And this is leading to a ban nobody expected. Here is what the news had to say.

The iPhone 12 Radiation Exposure

A French regulator conducted a test on the iPhone 12 to measure its Specific Absorption Rate (SAR). SAR indicates the amount of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation absorbed by the body when using a mobile device. In the test, the iPhone 12 recorded a SAR value of 5.74 W/kg when tested at a distance of 0 millimeters. This shows that it was in close proximity to the body. This SAR value exceeded the regulatory limit of 4 W/kg permitted in Europe for that specific distance.

The test was designed to simulate real-world scenarios where individuals carry their phones in their hand or pocket, which is a common usage pattern. The SAR value is an important metric as it helps assess the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to radiofrequency radiation from mobile devices. Exceeding the permissible SAR limits may raise concerns about the phone’s safety and its impact on users’ health.

So, How Did France Issue a Ban for This iPhone Radiation Exposure?

Apple is currently confronted with the possibility of a sales ban and even a potential recall of its iPhone 12 in France. This issue has arisen due to a report from the French regulatory agency, ANFR (Agence Nationale des fréquences), which alleges that the smartphone surpasses the established radio frequency exposure limits in the country.

Apple has responded by challenging the findings of the French regulator. The company asserts that its iPhone 12 has received certification from multiple international organizations. Furthermore, it affirms its compliance with global radiation standards. Apple disputes the ANFR’s test results. The results indicate that the iPhone 12 emits higher levels of electromagnetic waves that can be absorbed by the human body based on French regulations.

Do Others Agree With the Ban?

Contrary to these reports, it has been revealed that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a key US regulatory authority, is not conducting a specific investigation into the 2020 edition of the iPhone 12. An FDA spokesperson refuted this claim in an email exchange with a journalist.

This clarification underscores that the FDA has not initiated a formal inquiry into the iPhone 12’s safety, at least not as reported in certain news outlets. Concerns about radiofrequency emissions and their potential health effects remain a topic of discussion. However, it is essential to rely on accurate and verified information regarding regulatory investigations and product safety assessments.

What is a Possible Solution to the iPhone 12 Radiation Exposure?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has also commented on the issue. WHO has stated on its website that, based on an extensive body of research, there is no evidence to establish anything. This includes any adverse health effects caused by the use of mobile phones.

The ANFR (Agence Nationale des fréquences) has indicated that any updates implemented by Apple need to be verified by the French watchdog. Furthermore, the ANFR plans to share its findings with regulators in other European Union member states. This development could potentially lead to a ripple effect, influencing regulatory actions in other regions.

It is safe to say that both parties are right in the situation. What is left for now is to see how the story unfolds in future endeavors.