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An Apple iPhone 12 is pictured in a mobile phone store in Nantes, France, September 13, 2023. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe

iPhone radiation levels: Cause for concern

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified RF radiation as a possible human carcinogen.

23 September 2023

By Azuhaar Abdul Azeez

In a stunning move, France has banned the sale of the iPhone 12 over concerns about its radiation levels. This comes after a report by the French National Agency for Frequencies (ANFR) found that the phone emitted radiation levels that were 40% higher than the legally allowed limit.

The news has sent shockwaves through the tech industry, and has raised serious questions about the safety of iPhones and other smartphones. But what exactly is the risk of radiation exposure from smartphones? And what can people who already own iPhones do to stay safe?

Risks of radiation exposure

Smartphones emit a type of radiation called radiofrequency (RF) radiation. RF radiation is non-ionizing radiation, which means that it does not have enough energy to damage DNA. However, there is some evidence that RF radiation can have other harmful effects on the body, such as:

  • Heating: RF radiation can heat up tissues in the body. This is why you may feel your phone getting warm when you use it for a long time.

  • Headaches: Some people report experiencing headaches after using their phones for long periods of time.

  • Sleep disturbances: RF radiation has been shown to interfere with sleep.

  • Cancer: Some studies have suggested a link between RF radiation exposure and cancer, but the evidence is inconclusive.

It is important to note that the risks of RF radiation exposure are generally considered to be low. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has classified RF radiation as a possible human carcinogen.

How to stay safe from iPhone radiation

If you are concerned about the risks of RF radiation exposure from your iPhone, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk:

  • Limit your phone use: The more you use your phone, the more RF radiation you are exposed to. Try to limit your phone use to talking, texting, and checking email. Avoid using your phone for non-essential activities, such as playing games or watching videos.

  • Use a headset: When you are talking on your phone, use a headset to keep the phone away from your head. This will reduce the amount of RF radiation that your head is exposed to.

  • Don't sleep with your phone: Avoid sleeping with your phone under your pillow or next to your head. This is because RF radiation can interfere with sleep.

  • Use airplane mode: When you are in an area where there is no cell phone signal, put your phone in airplane mode. This will disable the phone's radio and prevent it from emitting RF radiation.

It is deeply concerning that Apple has allowed its iPhone 12 to be sold on the market, knowing that it emits radiation levels that exceed legal limits. This is a reckless disregard for the health of its customers.

Apple should immediately recall the iPhone 12 and take steps to ensure that future iPhone models comply with all safety regulations. Until then, iPhone users should take precautions to reduce their exposure to radiation, such as limiting their phone use and using a headset.

It is also important to note that the iPhone 12 is not the only smartphone that has been found to emit high levels of radiation. Other smartphones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S22 and the Google Pixel 6, have also been found to exceed legal limits.

Smartphone manufacturers need to do more to ensure that their products are safe. They should also be more transparent about the radiation levels emitted by their devices. Consumers have a right to know what they are being exposed to.

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