With so much focus on single-use plastics and the ramifications of so much plastic and microplastics in our environment, it was only a matter of time before our attention turned to some of the accessories and devices we use most: our Apple products and their accessories.
One lawsuit claims a familiar Apple product could be exposing its customers to a serious risk: cancer. According to the Daily Mail, this lawsuit stems from a study of 22 watch bands, including some made by Apple. It was found that 15 of the 22 bands contained harmful PFAS chemicals. Here’s what you need to know.
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What Are PFAS?
PFAS are also called “forever chemicals” and consist of Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, two chemicals found in many watch bands (including Apple) that never break down in the environment. They’ve been linked to birth defects, increased risk of prostate, kidney, and testicular cancer, and fertility problems.
The lawsuit was filed in California and alleges that the following Apple Watch bands contain high levels of PFAS: the Sport Band, the Ocean Band and the Nike Sport Band. The lawsuit also alleges that Apple was aware of the levels of PFAS and didn’t inform its customers.
According to the lawsuit, “"Instead, in respect of watches, (Apple) continues to hide the existence of PFAS at the point of purchase and otherwise. (Apple) could have avoided the unreasonable safety and environmental hazard with available manufacturing alternatives, and its failure to do so while continuing to promise consumers health, wellness, and sustainability is unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent under consumer protection laws.”
In a statement to the Daily Mail, Apple backed its product, saying Apple Watch bands are made from fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber that doesn’t contain PFAS. According to Apple: “In addition to our own testing, we also work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the materials used in our products, including Apple Watch bands.”
More information is still needed to determine whether Apple Watch bands are a danger, but an eagle eye is pointing in their direction for now as PFAS continue to dominate many conversations.
