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Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Toxic Chemicals in Watch Bands
Apple is facing a lawsuit in the United States over allegations that its Watch bands contain harmful chemicals linked to serious health risks, including cancer. The lawsuit claims that Apple’s “Ocean,” “Nike Sport,” and standard “Sport” Watch bands contain high levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their long-lasting presence in the human body and environment.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in California on Tuesday, these PFAS chemicals were detected in Apple Watch bands as part of a broader study analyzing 22 watch bands from various manufacturers in the U.S. The research reportedly found that 15 out of 22 tested bands contained harmful PFAS, with Apple among the implicated brands.
The lawsuit alleges that Apple failed to inform consumers about the presence of these chemicals, despite marketing the Apple Watch as a device that promotes health and wellness.
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“Apple continues to hide the existence of PFAS at the point of purchase and otherwise,” the lawsuit states. “The company 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.”
The plaintiffs are seeking class certification, which would allow affected customers to collectively sue Apple. The lawsuit also calls for an injunction to stop the sale of the alleged PFAS-containing Watch bands, along with financial penalties.
Apple has denied the allegations, stating that its Watch bands are safe and have undergone extensive testing. The company maintains that its bands are made from fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber that contains fluorine but not harmful PFAS chemicals. “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,” Apple said in response to the claims.
The legal battle could have significant implications for Apple, particularly as concerns over the health effects of PFAS gain more attention globally.
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