The National Frequency Agency (ANFR) is demanding that Apple withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market as of September 12, 2023, due to what it claims is an excessive specific absorption rate (SAR) limit observed on this model. Apple disputes France’s claims.
athieu Rosemain and Elizabeth Pineau for Reuters:
Apple defended its iPhone 12 model on Wednesday after a French watchdog ordered a halt to its sales citing breaches of European Union radiation exposure limits.
Apple said in a statement the iPhone 12, launched in 2020, was certified by multiple international bodies as compliant with global radiation standards, that it had provided several Apple and third-party lab results proving the phone’s compliance to the French agency, and that it was contesting its findings.
Researchers have conducted a vast number of studies over the last two decades to assess health risks resulting from mobile phones… Industry experts said there were no safety risks as regulatory limits on SAR were set well below levels where scientists have found evidence of harm.
“From a health and safety point of view, it is not as if this is putting anyone at risk,” said Professor Rodney Croft, the chair of the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP), which sets global guidelines on the SAR limits.
MacDailyNews Take: ANFR assesses radiation with a method that assumes direct skin contact, without any clothing layer, unlike virtually every reputable regulator around the world.
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MDN’s Take: “ANFR assesses radiation with a method that assumes direct skin contact, without any clothing layer, unlike virtually every reputable regulator around the world” – given that clothing layers differ, depending on the type of clothing, isn’t it more “reputable” – or at least more objective – to assume direct skin contact? Also, which regulation helps consumers more – those that measure exposure while you’re holding your phone next to your face – i.e. direct skin contact – or those that measure it while it’s in your pocket? The former protects everyone, albeit the exposure is much shorter since most people don’t spend hours on the phone. The latter protects only those who carry their phones in their pants pockets – I’d venture to guess that most women carry it in a purse – but exposure is much of the day.
Many people are also constantly holding their phones, like a cyborg extension of their arm, and sleep with them too.
I find it dubious that the French claim was released just as Apple was releasing new models. I am in no way a conspiracy theorist but the timing appear to be orchestrated to inflict the most public “outrage”. I have no opinion either way as to its legitimacy.
… just as long as its carbon-free, illegal radioactivity, then, its OK to move them off the shelf.
It is worth to shield self from increased EMF radiation, wear shielding clothing and be safe