Dilansir Cnet, Apple and Samsung released over the last three years may produce radiofrequency radiation at a higher level than the limit of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allowed, according to reports by the Chicago Tribune.
Scientists and consumers have demonstrated increased awareness of radio frequency radiation from devices that may have adverse effects on human health, especially with 5G scattered around the world.
The new report shows the old phone model, which operates in 3G and 4G bands, has the potential to exceed the FCC's secure limit of up to five times.
Smartphone manufacturers are required to comply with FCC guidelines for the body's radio frequency radiation absorption. The current size used to define the security limit is known as the "specific absorption rate," or SAR. The FCC sets the limit at 1.6 watts per kilogram (1, 6W/kg).
In order for a mobile phone to obtain approval, the FCC declares that the device does not exceed the maximum SAR limit.
Tribune investigation tested 11 different phone models. Four iPhone models (iPhone 7, 8, 8 Plus and X), three Samsung Galaxy (S8, S9 and J3), three Motorola (E5, E5 Play and G6 Play) and BLU Vivo 5 Mini.
The phone is tested by RF Exposure Lab, a FCC accredited laboratory in San Marcos, California. Researchers place smartphones within a distance of 2, 5, 10 or 15 millimetres of "body simulation " consisting of a mixture of sugar, water and salt and measuring the level of exposure.
The results showed that an iPhone 7 radio frequency absorption rate was among the ' worst violators ', with SAR nearly two to four times higher than the security limit when tested 2 mm from the body.
The three models of Samsung Galaxy also show higher absorption at the same distance, with the Galaxy S8 with 8.22 W/kg, five times higher than the current standard.
The report states that the FCC will now conduct its own tests over the coming months but they told the Tribune that the testing was "not comprehensive " as it was usually filed for official compliance reports.
The report states that the FCC will now conduct its own tests over the coming months. They told the Tribune that the testing was "not comprehensive " as it was normally filed for formal compliance reports.
The Tribune writes that the test "is essentially the worst scenario in terms of radio frequency radiation exposure " with consumers not experiencing visible levels of exposure during testing.