It’s no secret that Apple has gone above and beyond to make health a focus of its products. The Apple Watch can be your health coach, personal trainer, and fitness champion all rolled into one sleek and compact package.
But, what many Apple Watch lovers don’t realize is the amount of EMF radiation these small devices expose them to. While it may very well have a myriad of short term benefits, do the long term effects of Apple Watch EMF radiation outweigh the good?
This guide shows you how much radiation by Apple Watch model (chart below), what that means for your health, and how to protect yourself.
Does Apple Watch Emit EMF Radiation?
One of the most frequently asked questions is: Do Apple watches emit EMF radiation? Yes, Apple Watch does emit EMF radiation. This wearable tech device, which people wear round the clock on their wrists, connects to other devices and the internet through WiFi, Bluetooth, and cellular networks.
Take me to the Apple Watch Radiation Chart by Model right away!
As you know, the closer you are to an RF energy source, the greater the level of exposure, which increases your risk for adverse side effects. So, having an EMF radiation source against your body isn’t such a great idea.
Sure, Apple Watch might help you keep track of your menstrual cycle and help you monitor your heart rate. Heck, it might even remind you to breathe in case you forget to but, is the long-term risk worth it?
There are several physical symptoms you might be experiencing that could be a strong indicator that the EMF radiation being emitted by your Apple Watch is affecting you in more ways than you care to admit.
For instance, if you’ve been experiencing frequent headaches that don’t seem to go away even with over-the-counter medications, that in itself could be an indication that you are experiencing electromagnetic hypersensitivity.
More on that later. Let’s jump right into the chart.
Apple Watch SAR (Specific Absorption Rate) Levels by Model (Chart)
You can find your Apple Watch model number a couple ways:
In the Apple Watch iPhone App
- If you have an iPhone, go to the Watch app
- Scroll down to General and tap
- Tap About
- The model number is listed here. If you see a number that doesn’t correlate with the A#### above, tap on the model number and it will flip over
On the Apple Watch Itself
- From the home screen click in on the digital crown
- Scroll and tap on the gear icon, Settings
- Tap General
- Tap About
- The model number is listed here
Apple provides this information regarding RF exposure:
Apple Watch has been tested and meets applicable limits for radio frequency (RF) exposure.
Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) refers to the rate at which the body absorbs RF energy. SAR limits depend on whether Apple Watch is used against the head or on the wrist. In some countries, the SAR limit is 1.6 watts per kilogram averaged over 1 gram of tissue for use against the head and 4.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use on the wrist. In other countries, the SAR limit is 2.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use against the head and 4.0 watts per kilogram averaged over 10 grams of tissue for use on the wrist.
During testing, Apple Watch radios are set to their highest transmission levels and placed in positions that simulate use against the head, with 10mm separation, and on the wrist, with no separation. When placing Apple Watch near your face, keep at least 10mm of separation to ensure exposure levels remain at or below the as-tested levels.
The highest SAR values are as follows:
SAR Value by Apple Watch Model (Sortable Table) (help finding your model number directly above)
| Series | Model | 1.6 W/kg (over 1 g) SAR Limit - Head | 2.0 W/kg (over 10 g) SAR Limit - Head | 4.0 W/kg (over 10 g) SAR Limit - Wrist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Series 7 (GPS) | A2473 | 0.39 | 0.26 | 0.40 |
| Series 7 (GPS) | A2474 | 0.35 | 0.25 | 0.03 |
| Series 7 (GPS + Cell) | A2475 | 1.10 | 0.70 | 1.50 |
| Series 7 (GPS + Cell) | A2476 | 1.10 | 0.70 | 1.50 |
| Series 7 (GPS + Cell) | A2477 | 0.96 | 0.55 | 0.50 |
| Series 7 (GPS + Cell) | A2478 | 0.96 | 0.55 | 0.50 |
| Series 6 (GPS + Cell) | A2294 | 1.16 | 0.97 | 0.30 |
| Series 6 (GPS + Cell) | A2376 | 1.19 | 0.97 | 0.30 |
| Series 6 (GPS + Cell) | A2293 | 0.70 | 0.29 | 0.31 |
| Series 6 (GPS + Cell) | A2375 | 0.82 | 0.29 | 0.31 |
| Series 6 (GPS) | A2292 | 0.40 | 0.23 | 0.04 |
| Series 6 (GPS) | A2291 | 0.24 | 0.14 | 0.04 |
| SE (GPS) | A2351 | 0.34 | 0.20 | 0.14 |
| SE (GPS + Cell) | A2354 | 0.63 | 0.50 | 0.81 |
| SE (GPS + Cell) | A2356 | 0.68 | 0.50 | 0.81 |
| SE (GPS + Cell) | A2353 | 0.42 | 0.18 | 0.92 |
| SE (GPS + Cell) | A2355 | 0.51 | 0.18 | 0.92 |
| Series 6 (GPS) | A2352 | 0.24 | 0.11 | 0.20 |
| Series 5 (GPS + Cell) | A2095 | 0.59 | 0.36 | 0.34 |
| Series 5 (GPS + Cell) | A2157 | 0.52 | 0.36 | 0.34 |
| Series 5 (GPS + Cell) | A2094 | 0.38 | 0.34 | 0.39 |
| Series 5 (GPS + Cell) | A2156 | 0.33 | 0.34 | 0.39 |
| Series 5 (GPS) | A2093 | 0.16 | 0.06 | 0.08 |
| Series 5 (GPS) | A2092 | 0.31 | 0.09 | 0.07 |
| Series 4 (GPS + Cell) | A1976 | 0.25 | 0.22 | 0.36 |
| Series 4 (GPS + Cell) | A2008 | 0.36 | 0.22 | 0.36 |
| Series 4 (GPS + Cell) | A1975 | 0.25 | 0.27 | 0.34 |
| Series 4 (GPS + Cell) | A2007 | 0.37 | 0.27 | 0.26 |
| Series 4 (GPS) | A1978 | 0.17 | 0.11 | 0.10 |
| Series 4 (GPS) | A1977 | 0.18 | 0.07 | 0.07 |
| Series 3 (GPS) | A1859 | 0.11 | 0.03 | 0.023 |
| Series 3 (GPS) | A1858 | 0.17 | 0.04 | 0.034 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1861 | 0.52 | 0.06 | 0.34 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1891 | 0.35 | 0.16 | 0.18 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1892 | 0.25 | 0.16 | 0.18 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1860 | 0.53 | 0.04 | 0.18 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1889 | 0.29 | 0.14 | 0.15 |
| Series 3 (GPS + Cell) | A1890 | 0.16 | 0.14 | 0.14 |
| Series 2 | A1758 | 0.182 | 0.058 | 0.054 |
| Series 2 | A1817 | 0.182 | 0.058 | 0.054 |
| Series 2 | A1757 | 0.175 | 0.056 | 0.049 |
| Series 2 | A1816 | 0.175 | 0.056 | 0.049 |
Source for all the data in the chart is from Apple
Do SAR Values Tell You How Dangerous the Apple Watch is?
The manufacturers of devices that have cellular connection capabilities are required (by law) to indicate their respective Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) ratings. Apple watches are no different. Before delving into what the Apple Watch SAR rating is, it’s important to understand what those numbers mean in the first place. Here’s a brief background.
In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a set of guidelines on what amount of EMF radiation exposure is considered safe and legal. According to the rules, the maximum SAR for any cellular device is capped at 1.6 w/kg of body weight. This number was based solely on the heating effects of EMF radiation.
The guidelines, however, did not consider the mounting evidence from emerging research indicating that the harmful and life-threatening effects of EMFs extend to the increased and very real risk of cancer and the effects of Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity, particularly wearing them on our wrists all day.
What’s more, the SAR levels outlined by the FCC are based on 30 minutes of active cell phone use with the device placed against the head. This is the maximum exposure level there is.
It fails to take into account varying distances of EMF radiation exposure and how these gadgets are used. This begs the question: Is the Apple Watch SAR level a good indicator of whether it is safe? Probably not. Here’s why.
1. SAR Measurements Only Consider Maximum EMF Exposure
As stated before, the FCC’s SAR ratings are based on 30 minutes of actively using a cellular device while it is placed against the head. However, in reality, exposure levels will vary a lot, depending on how the device is being used. Here’s an illustration to help paint the picture.
Suppose that while wearing your Apple Watch on your wrist, you have Bluetooth and WiFi turned on. Perhaps you’ve also enabled cellular connectivity, as well. It goes without saying that when all these features are turned on, the resulting RF radiation will be quite high.
Now, imagine that your Apple Watch was running low on a battery charge, so you decided to activate airplane mode. The levels of EMF radiation emitted in this instance will be much lower than previously.
The FCC’s guidelines don’t outline what would be considered acceptable levels of exposure in both scenarios. The ironic thing is, the 1996 rules, which were designed with cell phones in mind also apply to other wireless devices including Apple Watch! It’s all quite bizarre.
2. SAR Measurements Are Only Based on Adult Exposure
The FCC guidelines only consider the impact of RF radiation from cellular devices when adults and the adult brain use them. The reality we live in today is that young children are introduced to wireless gadgets from a very tender age.
Sadly, children are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of EMF radiation exposure than adults are. This is because their organs are much softer since they are still developing. It subsequently increases their susceptibility to absorb much higher amounts of radiation than adults do.
3. SAR Measurements Don’t Paint the Full Picture
The FCC rules only give information on the EMF radiation levels when cell phones are placed against the head. In reality, these and other wireless devices still emit radiation when they are not in use. Therefore, the SAR levels from Apple watches might be higher than the numbers let on.
Additionally, studies show that the methods used to test cellular devices to determine their SAR levels allow for a margin of error of up to 30%. With that kind of variance, it means that some devices may fall outside the acceptable range.
4. SAR Testing Uses Dummies
When running EMF radiation tests, the FCC uses dummies that contain fluids. This isn’t an accurate representation of the human body. Look at it this way: Many people wear earrings, rings, bracelets on wrists, and other metallic jewelry. They may also have metal fillings in their teeth, and quite a number even wear glasses with metallic frames.
All these act as antennas and play a major role in how the body absorbs radiation. The SAR ratings don’t consider how these objects amplify the amount of radiation being absorbed.
Should You Be Worried About the EMF Radiation from Your Apple Watch?
Several studies have revealed that certain categories of the population are more vulnerable to the effects of EMF radiation exposure. If you or a loved one falls into any of the following groups, you need to be wary of the amount of radiation being emitted by your Apple Watch.
Effects of EMF Radiation Exposure on Pregnant Women
In a study done to investigate the possible correlation between EMF exposure and miscarriages, a group of 913 pregnant women was monitored throughout their pregnancies. Each of them was given a meter to track the cumulative amount of EMF they were exposed to in a typical 24-hour period.
They were also required to record what activities they were doing when they took the readings along with where the aforementioned activities took place. To avoid false findings, researchers also checked for the presence of any other risk factors that could potentially cause a miscarriage to avoid getting false readings.
The expectant women were classified into two groups, and the results were astounding. 75% of the subjects fell into the “high-exposure” category and were found to be three times more likely to miscarry compared to their counterparts in the “low-exposure” group.
In another study that was conducted in 2016, pregnant mice were exposed to extremely low frequency (ELF) EMF. The effects of this exposure on the female mice and their respective offspring were observed. The results were grim. Researchers found 60% less offspring in the “exposed” category of the expectant mice. They observed fetal deformities and spontaneous abortions among the mice that didn’t carry their pregnancies to term — those whose offspring did survive displayed slow development.
From these findings, it is clear that pregnant women need to take extra caution to ensure that they are not exposed to unnecessarily high levels of EMF. While it might be difficult to escape ambient radiation from WiFi routers in public spaces and neighboring homes, you can avoid wearing cellular devices like Apple Watch that emit EMF targeted at your unborn baby.
Effects of EMF Exposure on Children
Wondering what to get your childfor Christmas? Well, an Apple Watch should be off your list. While you might think of children as miniature adults, they are different on every level – physically, biologically, and chemically.
Children’s bodies are still developing. This means their cellular, hormonal, tissue, and enzymatic response to toxins and other environmental factors are different from that of adults. Stressors like EMF exposure can have far-reaching effects on their growing bodies as it is much more likely to penetrate the brains of young children.
Children’s tissues contain higher water content since their cells are constantly splitting and growing the more that the child matures. Childhood exposure to EMF from Apple Watch would, therefore, cause more widespread damage since these damaged cells continue to multiply. In the long run, this might lead to permanent biological defects like Autism and ADHD that would have otherwise been entirely avoidable.
While it might seem harmless to get your child an Apple Watch, the potential health risks associated with this early exposure aren’t worth it, especially since the technology is still quite new in the larger scheme of things. The adult brain is one thing, kids are completely different.
How to Protect Yourself from Apple Watch EMF
IfIf you want to safeguard against the adverse effects of EMFs from your Apple Watch, you could start by tossing it out in the garbage. But if you fall into the category of people who can’t live without it, there are some safe practices you can implement into your daily routine to cut down on the amount of exposure you’re getting from the device. Here are a few measures you can take.
1. Put Your Apple Device on Airplane Mode
This is the most effective strategy you can implement to reduce the amount of EMF exposure you’re getting from your Apple Watch. Airplane mode essentially disconnects all wireless connections to the gadget.
You won’t be able to connect to nearby devices via Bluetooth in addition to being disconnected from WiFi and cellular networks.
How to put your Apple Watch on Airplane Mode
Option 1:
1. From the home screen swipe up
2. Scroll down on the digital crown and tap the airplane
3. When the airplane is highlighted yellow, you’re in airplane mode
Option 2:
1. Click in on the digital crown
2. Tap on the gear icon, settings
3. Scroll down with the digital crown to Airplane Mode and tap it
4. Slide Airplane Mode to on.
With both options you’ll see the little yellow airplane on the top center of your Apple Watch screen when you’re in Airplane Mode.
It might be a good idea to put your watch in airplane mode from time to time when you’re not using the full functions, just to take a break from this source of EMF radiation.
2. Take It off Before Bed
Apple Watch come with features that allow users to track their sleeping patterns. This provides valuable insight into the quality of sleep you’re getting, your heart rate, and nighttime movement. It even has a silent alarm that softly vibrates to wake you up.
Many users, however, are oblivious to the unnecessary EMF exposure they are subjecting themselves from their wrists to at the time when the body needs to heal and repair itself.
There’s also the issue of sleep disturbances brought on by electromagnetic sensitivity.
Your Apple Watch could be interfering with the quality of sleep you’re getting, making it counterintuitive to use it to monitor your sleeping patterns.
While your health concerns are completely valid, wearing your Apple Watch to bed does more harm than good. The fact that it is in direct contact with your body for long periods of time increases the EMF radiation exposure amount.
3. Invest in an Apple Watch Radiation Blocker
Getting a radiation blocker for your Apple Watch is a way to reduce the amount of EMF you’re exposed to while wearing it. It is not only portable, but it also acts as a barrier between the watch and your skin to shield you from all the adverse effects of radiation.
Shield Your Body makes a wrist band that creates a barrier between the watch and your skin. Although the biometric measurements like heart rate monitoring won’t work, it will block up to 99% of the EMF radiation. It’s high quality, 90% silver, and 10% spandex to make it comfortable. You can check out the SYB Wrist Band here.
4. Get a Pedometer
If fitness and getting your steps in are of paramount importance to you, replacing your Apple Watch with an old school pedometer will not only keep EMF at bay, but it’ll also help you achieve your fitness goals. The fact that it is mechanical makes it completely risk-free.
I have an entire article on fitness trackers that don’t require a smartphone, which means they significantly, if not completely eliminate RF radiation exposure. Check that out if you’re health conscious both in terms of fitness and reducing your EMF radiation exposure amount.
What Is Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity and Are You at Risk?
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS) is a condition characterized by symptoms that arise as a result of low-level exposure to EMF radiation. Some of the symptoms include (a couple sources here and here but there are many on the topic):
- Severe headaches
- Perpetual fatigue
- Sleep disturbances
- Reduced immunity levels
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Ringing in the ears (Tinnitus)
- Heart palpitations
- Skin reactions like a rash, tingling sensation and/or skin redness
The majority of people who are sensitive to EMF radiation report fatigue as the most recognizable symptom of the ones listed. If you’re always feeling tired even after getting a full night’s sleep, the Apple Watch you’re wearing could be the culprit.
Apple Watch and Cancer: Is There a Link?
To say that the Apple Watch causes cancer would be an inaccurate assertion. This is due to the fact the device hasn’t been around long enough for evidence from studies to draw a link between the two.
This also doesn’t mean that they are safe either. Because Apple watch emits EMF radiation, it means that they pose a cancer risk. There are lots of studies (and here) that have been done to support these claims. Therefore, you can make inferences about the danger of Apple watch based on the existing evidence of the dangers of EMF radiation.
How EMFs Causes Cancer
It’s important to understand how electromagnetic radiation causes cancer. Radiation is the blanket term used to denote the energy transmitted from any source. X-rays, sunlight, and even the heat emitted from the human body are all different forms of radiation.
However, when it comes to cancer-causing radiation, there are specific kinds that immediately come to mind, like nuclear radiation or X-rays. Radiation exists across a broad range depending on its wavelength and frequency (energy) levels. This range is called the electromagnetic spectrum.
High-energy radiation is categorized into non-ionizing and ionizing. Ionizing radiation like X-rays and gamma rays possess enough energy to dislodge an electron from an atom leaving behind a charged (ionized) particle. This alters the basic structure of the DNA inside the cells, which can lead to cancer.
Lower energy radiation like microwaves and radio waves only have sufficient energy to move the electrons around the atom, therefore, causing it to vibrate, but not enough to dislodge them (ionize). These kinds of radiation are referred to as non-ionizing.
There has been an ongoing debate as to whether non-ionizing radiation such as that emitted by cell phones and Apple Watches can cause cancer. The argument so far has been that non-ionizing radiation can’t alter cellular DNA, and therefore cannot cause cancer.
That assertion is true, to some extent, when you consider only one aspect of the cancer-causing mechanism: Ionization. But there are two sides to this coin. Non-ionizing radiation also causes cancer. Here’s how:
- It damages cellular processes
- It damages cellular components including DNA
- It causes oxidative stress
If any of the above scenarios play out, the repercussions are dire for human health.
Smart Technology Comes at a Price
The effects of EMF exposure aren’t immediate. They take a long time to manifest. Unfortunately, when that time comes, it is usually too late to change anything. Taking the right steps now to protect yourself from the harmful effects of EMF and its potential risks is your best bet.
The Apple Watch comes with lots of great features that are a testament to how far technology has come. Nonetheless, users also need to be wary of the associated health risks. Take the necessary measures to protect yourself to avoid paying dearly for it further down the road.
Further reading:
- Smart meter radiation: Smart Meter Dangers you Should Know About
- Wifi Router: What is a Safe Distance from a Wifi Router?
- Cell Phones: Lowest Radiation Cell Phones Chart of the amounts of radiation from popular phone brands
- Nintendo Switch EMF Radiation
- Wireless Charger EMF Radiation
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Genuis SJ. Fielding a current idea: exploring the public health impact of electromagnetic radiation.Public Health (2007), doi:10.1016/j.puhe.2007.04.008
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Draper G, Vincent T, Kroll ME, Swanson J. Childhood cancer in relation to distance from high voltage power lines in England and Wales: a case–control study. Br Med J2005;330:1290.
