Some smartphones produce electromagnetic waves exceeding the limits set by the European Union. Can the use of these devices increase the risk of certain pathologies?
- In September, the iPhone 12 was temporarily withdrawn from the market due to excessively powerful electromagnetic waves.
- Since 2017, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) has identified 44 phones which exceeded the authorized limits for wave emissions.
- The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified “radiofrequencies as possibly carcinogenic to humans”.
Last September, the National Frequency Agency (ANFR) announced that the specific absorption rate (SAR) of the Apple iPhone exceeded the limits authorized by the European Union. The smartphone was therefore temporarily withdrawn from sale, so that the American giant complies with European regulations. The ban was lifted on September 29: “tests confirm that this software development allows this device to respect the “member” SAR limit value, and therefore to comply with the standards in force”declared the ANFR.
Wave emission: around 44 smartphones do not comply with European rules
The use of certain devices such as smartphones, connected devices or wifi increase exposure to electromagnetic waves. Thanks to the DAS, the reference measurement, the organization carries out checks on mobile phones placed on the French market and ensures that these devices comply with regulations.
In an article published on December 2, France Inter has, however, revealed that the iPhone 12 is not the only phone to have exceeded the wave emission limits. Nearly 44 smartphones have been found non-compliant by the ANFR since 2017. Certain products from manufacturers Alcatel, Wiko, Huawei, Xiaomi, Samsung and Motorola did not meet European rules. “In 36 cases, the manufacturer made an update to bring their phone into compliance. In six other cases, the manufacturer recalled its products. And in the last two cases, an order was issued to recall and remove the phones from the market, since the manufacturer had not taken corrective measures.explained Emmanuelle Conil, engineer for ANFR.
What are the effects of electromagnetic waves on health?
Much work is being carried out to determine the potential risks associated with frequent exposure to electromagnetic waves. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified “radio frequencies like maybe carcinogens for the man” due to an increased risk of glioma linked to wireless phone use.
Asked by West FranceOlivier Merkel, head of the risk assessment unit linked to physical agents at the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (ANSES), spoke of the possible effects of electromagnetic waves on the health. “There have been many studies on cancer, especially of the head, on fertility, on sleep, on cognitive performance, on neurodegenerative diseases, with contradictory results. Even if there are no there is no certainty of evidence, certain studies make us ask ourselves questions. These waves do have biological effects on living things, but we do not know today whether this has consequences or not. It is this uncertainty which pushes us to issue cautionary recommendations”he noted.
In 2018, three international scientists examined around fifteen publications on the effect of radiofrequency waves on sperm quality. Their findings were published in the journal Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology. The researchers notably indicated that, according to them, “frequent use of cell phones or electromagnetic devices significantly contributes to poor sperm quality”. Radiofrequencies would reduce the number of sperm and impact their morphology as well as their motility. Nevertheless, ANSES considered that “the level of evidence is insufficient to conclude that there is a possible effect of radiofrequencies on male and female fertility.”
It is therefore better to exercise caution when dealing with electromagnetic waves. To limit exposure, Olivier Merkel notably recommended using the loudspeaker, headphones or hands-free kits of telephones as much as possible, and to avoid carrying your smartphone stuck to your body.
