France has asked Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12, saying the device emits electromagnetic radiation levels that exceed European Union (EU) standards. France’s radiation monitoring agency, Agency National Des Frequencies (ANFR)On Tuesday, the sample’s specific absorption rate (SAR) — a measure of the rate of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body from a device — was higher than legally allowed.
ANFR tested 141 cell phones, and when the iPhone 12 was held in the hand or carried in a pocket, its electromagnetic energy absorption rate was 5.74 watts per kilogram, higher than the EU standard of 4 watts per kilogram. However, the company said that since the apps, programs and other operating information running on a device can affect how the hardware works, a software update should be enough to fix the problem.
Jean-Noël Parrott, France’s minister in charge of digital issues, said the iPhone 12’s emissions exceeded EU standards but were significantly lower than what scientific studies consider dangerous.
What is SAR?
SAR or Standard Absorption Rate is a measure of the amount of energy absorbed by the body from any source of radiation. Expressed in watts per kilogram of body weight, radiation from devices is a result of how they work by generating electromagnetic fields by transmitting radiation waves.
Dangers
Unlike radiation from X-rays or gamma rays – caused by radioactive decay – phones are not capable of breaking chemical bonds or causing changes in cells in the human body – which can eventually lead to harm such as cancer.
The International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) states that non-ionizing radiation from phones leads to heating of body tissues, which exceeds the prescribed limit and can cause serious health effects including burns or heat stroke due to prolonged exposure. , a body that sets guidelines for limits worldwide.
Apple’s answer
Apple has denied ANFR’s claims The iPhone 12 has been certified by several international organizations as compliant with global radiation standards. The tech giant said it would fight ANFR’s claims and continue to engage with the agency to show it is compliant.
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