New Claims that iPhone Exceeds RF Limits

New tests conducted by RF Exposure Lab have found that the iPhone 11 Pro emits a Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of 3.8 W/kg. The FCC's exposure limit is 1.6 W/kg.

This comes a few months after the Chicago Tribune hired RF Exposure Lab to conduct similar tests on a variety of popular cell phones. These tests--performed 2 mm from the "body" as well as the typical 5, 10, and 15 mm distances--claimed that RF exposure was well above the FCC's limits. In December of 2019, the FCC performed its own tests to determine if the phones in question did exceed RF exposure limits. According to those tests, they did not.

For this experiment, RF Exposure Lab tested the iPhone 11 Pro at a distance of 5 mm from the "body" in order to reflect the FCC's guidelines. No further details were given regarding testing methods. Its previous experiments last fall tested devices at shorter distances in order to reflect how closely a phone would be held to one's body--say, in one's jean pocket. You can view the results of this test here.

According to the FDA, it is unclear whether RF exposure from cell phones is harmful. While studies have illuminated a correlation between RF exposure and negative health effects, these correlations have yet to be reproduced and deemed causation. Various individuals have voiced concern over the current RF exposure limits, and last fall, an amendment to the existing RF exposure limits was proposed. In a Resolution of Notice of Inquiry published on December 4, 2019, the FCC rejected a proposal, citing the FDA’s claim that “the weight of scientific evidence has not linked cell phones with any health problems” as confirmation that its current RF exposure limits are appropriate.

The FCC has yet to respond to these new tests. They could very well perform another test in response to RF Exposure Lab's results, as the iPhone 11 Pro was not included in the tests last fall.