Apple Sued for Using Harmful Chemicals in Watch Bands


Apple Sued for Using Harmful Chemicals in Watch Bands

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Apple is under legal scrutiny for allegedly selling smartwatch bands containing PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' which are linked to serious health risks and environmental concerns, according to a new lawsuit filed in California.

Apple has been hit with a proposed class-action lawsuit, claiming that its smartwatch bands, including those for the Nike and Ocean series, contain high levels of dangerous PFAS chemicals—commonly referred to as "forever chemicals"—which have been linked to serious health risks.

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, targets three specific Apple Watch bands: the Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band. According to the complaint, these bands are made from fluoroelastomer, a material allegedly concealing the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The chemicals, widely used for their durability and affordability, are notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health impacts, including cancer, immune suppression, and harm to fetal development.

The case cites research by scientists at the University of Notre Dame, who tested 22 fitness tracker bands, including some from Apple, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung. Using advanced detection techniques, the researchers discovered elevated levels of PFAS compounds in fluoroelastomer bands, particularly perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), with concentrations exceeding 1,000 parts per billion in some samples. Professor emeritus Graham Peaslee, a co-author of the study, described the findings as unusually high compared to other consumer products.

The lawsuit alleges that prolonged skin contact with PFAS-laden bands poses an increased absorption risk, making their use on wearable devices like smartwatches especially concerning. While the Notre Dame study mentioned Apple and Nike products, it did not specify whether the exact bands named in the suit were included. Efforts to confirm these details with the plaintiffs’ legal team and the Notre Dame researchers have so far been unsuccessful.

The plaintiffs accuse Apple of knowingly endangering its customers by selling these bands despite the availability of safer alternatives. They highlight a 2022 company document in which Apple pledged to phase out PFAS but criticized the tech giant for failing to disclose their presence to consumers.

The lawsuit further claims that Apple's actions constitute fraud and violations of California’s laws on unfair competition, advertising, and consumer protections. Plaintiffs seek class certification, monetary damages, and a court injunction to halt sales of the allegedly harmful bands.

Apple has not yet responded publicly to the allegations.

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