How to Lower Exposure from Cell Phones (iPhone 14 Radiation Level Guide)

While iPhone 14 complies with global safety standards for radiation levels, some people aren’t aware that they need to use their devices at a safe distance (10mm). Learn how to reduce EMF radiation from your cell phone, including tips for iPhone 14 users.

You probably use your iPhone often. It’s handy, it’s fun, and it gives you access to all kinds of information in the palm of your hand. 

However, in addition to allowing you to send messages and listen to music, your phone can expose you to harmful radiation known as electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation, especially when it’s being used against your ear during a call or while using the phone’s data function.

Concerns about the iPhone 14 radiation level have even been raised, highlighting the importance of understanding how much EMF exposure comes from everyday smartphone use.

Key Takeaways:

• Keep your phone at a safe distance: To reduce EMF radiation exposure, hold your phone at least one to two feet away from your body or face.

• Apple iPhone 14 models are near SAR limits: Although within legal limits, the iPhone 14 series SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) values are close to the FCC's maximum, especially during heavy use.

• Use anti-radiation strategies: Limit close contact and consider radiation-shielding cases like SafeSleeve, which can reduce EMF exposure by up to 99%.

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INDEX
Do You Use Your Phone 10mm Away from Your Body?
The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are here!
The Risks of Cell Phone Radiation
Which iPhone Has the Highest SAR Radiation?
iPhone 14 Series SAR Values
Reduce EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) Exposure With These 4 Tips
A cell phone's EMF Radiation Could Harm Your Health Over the Long term!

Do You Use Your Phone 10mm Away from Your Body?

That’s exactly what Apple recommends users do to reduce their exposure to harmful RF radiation: “Carry iPhone at least 10 mm away from your body to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels”.

Are you an iPhone user? If so, how far away should your phone be from your face? Dr Mercola is encouraging his readers  to hold their phones 10mm (at least) away from their bodies. But why does he suggest that you keep it so far away? There are a few reasons for that.

Over time, consistent cell phone use can increase head and neck cancers by up to 3 percent, especially if you talk on a cell phone while driving. The cellular transmission SAR values can spike depending on how you use your device.

The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are here! 

The new iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max are here. It's thinner, lighter and has a new camera system that includes a 12 MP main camera and improved sensor. It also has  a six-core CPU  with two high-performance cores that use 20 percent lower power and four efficiency cores that use a third of the energy of competitors' chips.

Does it make sense for you to purchase the newest model of the iPhone?

You may think it's impossible to make an argument against having a new smartphone, but what you don't know is that it emits a level of radiation that could potentially cause some form of bodily harm. Experts suggest using a cell phone case to protect against radiation emissions. 

You might ask, how can I defend myself from radiation? 

SafeSleeve's shielding material is made of a light-weight, lead-free metallic alloy foil. This was specifically engineered to shield against all three kinds of radiation emanating from your devices (ELF, RF, and Thermal). 

The SafeSleeve radiation shielding technology was tested in an independent FCC accredited lab to show reductions in EMR of up to 99%. You can see the study here.

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The Risks of Cell Phone Radiation

Is cell phone radiation harmful?

Radiofrequency radiation is emitted by cell phones in the radio frequency region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Second-, third-, and fourth-generation (2G, 3G, 4G) cells emit radiofrequency in the range of 0.7–2.7GHz. Cell phones of the fifth-generation (5G) will use frequencies up to 80 GHz.

A study by NTP has explored the effects of prolonged exposure to Radio Frequency Radiation (RFR) on animals, publishing its findings in November 2018.

About the study: 

The NTP studies found that high exposure to RFR (900 MHz) used by cell phones was associated with:

• Clear evidence of an association with tumors in the hearts of male rats. The tumors were malignant schwannomas.
• Some evidence of an association with tumors in the brains of male rats. The tumors were malignant gliomas.
• Some evidence of an association with tumors in the adrenal glands of male rats. The tumors were benign, malignant, or complex combined pheochromocytoma.

A follow-up article was published by the NTP in October 2019. 

The results of a study  examining DNA damage in 3 regions of rat brains, livers, and blood cells from rats and mice taken out of an ongoing two-year toxicology study earlier than planned were released in October 2019. 

The results showed that DNA could lead to cancerous growths if not remedied. However, this research was also published in NTP's already completed Technical Reports, which include analyses of data not included in these reports, which are now only available within its Supporting Information section.

According to the study, heavy cell phone  use for at least 10 years has been associated with an increased risk of brain tumors but not with developing an acoustic neuroma or meningioma.

Which iPhone Has the Highest SAR Radiation?

On its RF Exposure page, Apple is legally required to provide a list of SAR ratings for each of its devices. Apple must disclose both the head and body SAR, as well as a different SAR for different amounts of absorption. 

Here, it's 1.6 W/kg and 2.0 W/kg. Based on the information from Apple, the iPhone 7 has the highest radiation levels. Due to the fact that all phones emit radiation, how far should you keep your phone away from your face? 

According to the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health, an average adult needs about 12 inches (30 cm) between their cell phone and their body. In order to lower your exposure even more, you can use an earpiece or speakerphone when using your cell phone, or keep your phone in your pocket or purse.

iPhone 14 Series SAR Values

Every new smartphone comes with SAR values, which you should pay attention to. SAR stands for Specific Absorption Rate. This measures the rate at which the body absorbs RF radiation exposure.

The limit in the U.S. is 1.6 W/kg, averaged over 1 gram of tissue. The EU has a slightly higher SAR limit of 2.0 W/kg, averaged over 10 grams of tissue.

Below are the official SAR values for the iPhone 14 series:

While these are within the FCC’s SAR limit, they are approaching the maximum threshold, especially when transmitters are active, such as during simultaneous Wi-Fi and cellular use. It's critical to consider both your phone's usage and proximity to your body.

Adhering to industry standards, Apple's devices dynamically manage transmission power to continuously meet RF exposure limits.

Note: Apple suggests using hands-free tools such as speakerphones or headphones to reduce RF exposure. Metal cases can also affect RF performance and compliance.

Reduce EMF (Electromagnetic Fields) Exposure With These 4 Tips

Many believe that there hasn't been enough research into whether EMFs are safe.

EMF exposure protection:

• You need to put your phone down as often as possible
• With your phone, use the speaker function or earbuds
• Your phone shouldn't be in your pocket
• Electricity and electronic devices should be unplugged occasionally

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A cell phone's EMF Radiation Could Harm Your Health Over the Long term!

Mobile Phones: In an inactive state, they have much lower radiation levels than when they are turned on, but become receptors for cell towers when they are in an active state. 

The future is unpredictable and keeping a smartphone close to the head does pose a potential danger. In other words, keeping a smartphone close to the head poses a potential risk of health problems in the future. 

How far away from your face should your smartphone be? At least six inches apart. However, for added peace of mind, consider using an anti-radiation cell phone case  while using your mobile device.

Updated June 2025 to reflect the most current SAR data for the iPhone 14 series.