iPhone 12 Sales Banned in France Due to Radiation Levels – Apple Faces Recall Threat

France’s junior minister for the digital sector, Cedric O, has ordered Apple to stop selling its iPhone 12 model in France due to above-threshold radiation levels. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) found that the iPhone 12 exceeds the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 2 watts per kilogram. The SAR is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone.

According to Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking to a French newspaper, Le Parisien, France’s radiation authority ANFR informed Apple of its decision to halt sales of the iPhone 12 after conducting tests that revealed the device’s Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) was marginally greater than permitted by law.

Barrot claimed that the radiation problems with the phone, which the American brand has been selling since 2020, might be resolved with a software update. He said

“Apple is expected to respond within two weeks … If they fail to do so, I am prepared to order a recall of all iPhones 12 in circulation. The rule is the same for everyone, including the digital giants.”

What is the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR)?

The Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone. It is expressed in watts per kilogram (W/kg) and is used to determine the safety of mobile phones. The SAR limit in France is 2 watts per kilogram.

What are the concerns about iPhone 12 radiation levels?

The concerns about iPhone 12 radiation levels are related to the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body when using the phone. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) found that the iPhone 12 exceeded the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 2 watts per kilogram. High levels of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body can cause health problems. It can cause issues such as cancer, infertility, and other health issues. The SAR is a measure of the amount of radiofrequency energy absorbed by the body when using a mobile phone. The SAR limit in France is 2 watts per kilogram.

According to the French Agency, there are multiple studies that have shown that mobile phones with high SAR values increase the chances of developing various types of cancer. For this reason, the European Union has set safety limits for SAR values related to exposure to these devices.

The French watchdog will now communicate its conclusions to regulators in other EU member states. Barrot stated, “In practical terms, this decision could have a snowball effect”.

The radiation value of products must now be listed on packaging by stores in France beginning in 2020. This is in addition to cell phones and other electronic gadgets like tablets.

What are the implications of the order?

The order means that Apple must stop selling the iPhone 12 in France. This is until it can reduce the radiation levels to below the SAR limit of 2 watts per kilogram. The company must also fix existing handsets that exceed the limit. If Apple fails to comply with the order, it could face fines and legal action. The order could also have implications for Apple’s sales in other countries if other regulators follow France’s lead.

Final Words

In conclusion, France has ordered Apple to stop selling the iPhone 12 in the country due to above-threshold radiation levels. The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) found that the iPhone 12 exceeded the Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) limit of 2 watts per kilogram. Apple must now reduce the radiation levels to below the SAR limit and fix existing handsets that exceed the limit. The order could have implications for Apple’s sales in other countries if other regulators follow France’s lead.