By John Ikani
French regulators have taken action against Apple, ordering the tech giant to cease sales of the iPhone 12 due to concerns about excessive electromagnetic radiation.
In addition, they have mandated that Apple rectify the issue with existing devices.
The regulatory body overseeing radio frequencies in France, known as the ANFR, conducted tests that revealed the iPhone 12 emits electromagnetic waves with a higher potential for body absorption than the permissible limit.
Consequently, the ANFR instructed Apple to withdraw the iPhone 12 from the French market, effective September 12, citing its non-compliance with the prescribed limits for electromagnetic absorption by the human body.
Tests conducted by accredited laboratories indicated that the iPhone 12 absorbed electromagnetic energy by the body at a rate of 5.74 watts per kilogram during simulations of typical hand-held or pocketed usage.
This exceeded the European standard, which mandates a specific absorption rate of 4.0 watts per kilogram under similar conditions.
The ANFR’s statement on its website emphasized the need for Apple to swiftly implement corrective measures for iPhones already sold in France to ensure compliance with electromagnetic radiation limits. Failure to do so may necessitate a product recall.
The ANFR did note that the measurements of electromagnetic radiation absorbed at a distance of five centimeters remained within the acceptable limit of 2.0 watts per kilogram.
Beginning Wednesday, ANFR agents will be conducting inspections to ensure that iPhone 12 models are no longer available for sale in France.
Numerous countries worldwide enforce regulations on the level of electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones to safeguard public health.
However, the World Health Organization, following extensive studies, maintains that there is no established evidence of adverse health effects resulting from mobile phone usage.
