Apple Warns About Potential Interference with Medical Devices
From Apple Support
Most consumer electronic devices, including laptops, tablets, smartphones, wearables, and audio devices, contain magnets and generate electromagnetic fields that might interfere with medical devices. For example, implanted pacemakers and defibrillators might contain sensors that respond to magnets and radios when in close contact.
Most medical device manufacturers recommend keeping a source of potential interference a safe distance away from your medical device (at least 6 inches / 15 cm apart or at least 12 inches / 30 cm apart when using a wireless charger). Consult your physician and medical device manufacturer for specific guidelines. Manufacturers often provide recommendations on the safe use of their devices around wireless or magnetic products to prevent possible interference.
If you suspect that an Apple device is interfering with your medical device, stop using it and consult your physician and your medical device manufacturer.
Learn more about safety in the Important Safety Information sections of the user guides for Apple devices.
Published Date: December 07, 2023
Theodora Scarato, Executive Director of Environmental Health Trust stated “Apple should also be warning about the high exposure to cell phone radiation people get when the phone is used in direct body contact. When cellphones are tested in body contact positions, the way most people use phones today, they can emit levels of radiation that violate the government regulatory limits. Published research estimates the radiation levels that can be absorbed into the body can exceed FCC’s radiation exposure limits over 11 times.”
“iPhone is evaluated in positions that simulate uses against the head, with no separation, and when worn or carried against the torso of the body, with 5 mm separation…To reduce exposure to RF energy, use a hands-free option, such as the built-in speakerphone, headphones or other similar accessories.”
“Body-worn SAR testing has been carried out at a separation distance of 1.5 cm. To meet RF exposure guidelines during body-worn operation, the device should be positioned at least this distance away from the body.”
“Body-worn Operation This device was tested for typical use with the back of the device kept 0.39 inches (1.0 cm) from the body. To comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, a minimum separation distance of 0.39 inches (1.0 cm) must be maintained between the user’s body and the back of the device.”
“Use accessories such as a carrying case, etc., to keep the product at least 1.5 inches away from your body, and make sure there is no metal (part) in between.”
-Docomo Smartphone (Japan) SC-51C(Galaxy S22)
“This device has also been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines for use with an accessory that contains no metal and positions the handset a minimum of 15mm from the body. Position the handset a minimum of 15mm from your body when the device is switched on.” OnePlus 10 Pro 5G
Where can I find this information for my cell phone?
- Apple iPhone: Go to “Settings” and then “General” and then “Legal & Regulatory” and then “RF Exposure”
- Samsung has a website on RF instructions here.
- Motorola has a website on RF instructions here.
- LG has a website on RF instructions here.
- Docomo Products (Japan) has a website which links to RF information here
Where can I find this information for my Wi-Fi or wireless device?
- For Apple products like the iPad, iMac, iPod and Apple Watch to Go to Apple’s RF section and search your device here.
- For Google Products go to their Safety and Regulatory Information Page here.
- For Amazon Echo Products go to their Safety and Compliance information page here.
- In addition to the phones, these company have a SARs for Samsung products, Motorola products, LG products, Docomo Products
For other products simply search for the manual online or search for the make and model with the additional phrase “RF exposure” and you can access the instructions. Be aware that many manuals will omit this information and it will be located on a separate “safety and legal compliance manual” or online in a less than obvious place.
Did you know that baby monitors, Wi-Fi printers, Apple computers and even Wi-Fi printers have fine print warnings? Here are some examples:
“…it is advised to use the Products in such a manner that minimizes the potential for human contact during normal operation.” “This Device should be installed and operated with at least 20 cm between the radiator and your body.”
-Amazon Echo Dot (4th Generation) Kids Edition Safety and Compliance
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance 20cm between the radiator & your body.”
–Samsung Smart TV 6200 User Manual
“This device should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body.”
This device should be operated with a minimum separation distance of 20 cm (8 inches) between the equipment and a person’s body.”
–Apple iMac Regulatory Compliance Info OS Monterery 12
“When placing the Apple Watch near your face, keep at least 10 mm of separation to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels.”
”To be sure that human exposure to RF energy does not exceed the FCC, IC, and European Union guidelines, always follow these instructions…Orient the device in portrait mode with the Home button at the bottom of the display, or in landscape mode with the cellular antenna away from your body or other objects.”
–Apple iPad IOS4 Important Product Information Guide
“This equipment should be installed and operated with at least 20 cm (8 inches) or more between the radiator and the person’s body.” –Playstation 4 Pro
“This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with minimum distance 20 cm between the
radiator and your body.”
