The French National Frequency Agency (ANFR) has requested the withdrawal of the EMPORIA SMART 4 telephone from the French market following their radiation tests found the model’s radiation violated the European Union cell phone radiation (SAR) limits. The EMPORIA SMART 4 telephone is a phone designed for seniors. As listed by PhoneGate Alerte, there are are now 46 models of cell phones which have been either withdrawn from the French market or have seen their cell phone radiation (SAR) rate updated by software, due to excessive radiation emissions.
PhoneGate Alert has more information on the other 45 phone models. For example, the Apple iPhone 12 models were updated in France after they were found to violate limits and the Galaxy Z Flip from Samsung was penalized with a 7,500 euros fine for its violations.
📣 @anfr has requested the withdrawal of the EMPORIA SMART 4 telephone from the French market following an exceeding of the specific absorption rate (#DAS) limit observed on this model. pic.twitter.com/v0g2LqUo4y
— ANFR (@anfr) January 4, 2024
All cell phones have instructions that state that the cell phone user should maintain a specified distance between their body and the phone in order to ensure compliance with regulatory safety limits. 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.
In France, government officials are calling for all phones to be tested at 0mm, in order to mimic the way cell phones are used today, directly against the body.
However, the U.S. FCC is opposed to testing phones in body contact position and stated, “Even though some parties claim that the RF exposure evaluation procedures for phones should require testing with a “zero” spacing – against the body – this is unnecessary.”
Environmental Health Trust disagrees with the FCC and is calling for all phones to be radiation tested the way they are used, touching the body. The FCC was ordered to respond to record evidence regarding the issue of cell phone testing in EHT et. al v the FCC. After reviewing more than 14,000 pages of petitioners’ evidence, the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled that the FCC’s 2019 decision not to update 1996 safety limits and cell phone/device testing procedures was “arbitrary and capricious.”
The Court also found that the FCC did not provide evidence of properly examining evidence such as:
- impacts of long-term wireless exposure
- impacts to children
- the testimony of persons injured by wireless radiation
- impacts to the developing brain
- impacts to the reproductive system
- impacts to wildlife and the environment.
Here are some examples of the fine print instructions:
“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.
The EMPORIA SMART 4 telephone states in its training book:
Preventing health issues: Modern mobile phones have to meet high radiation safety standards in order to comply with health standards. You can also contribute to this yourself, however, by protecting yourself from radiation:
- Avoid holding your phone to your ear when a call connection is being established. Radiation levels are at their highest while a phone call is being connected.
- Use a headset for longer calls.
- If you have a pacemaker, do not carry your phone anywhere close to your heart, e.g. in the left breast pocket of a jacket.
It also states “The device complies with RF specifications when the device is 5 cm from the body.”
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 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.”
–OC1A Owlet Baby Camera User Manual
Read more fine print warnings here.
