Apple sued over alleged PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ level in watch bands
Apple has been sued for allegedly selling Apple Watch bands that contain excessive levels of PFAS, which is often dubbed “forever chemicals.”
The class action lawsuit claims that the tech giant’s smartwatch wristbands have high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can be present in our water, soil, air, and food as well as in materials found in our homes or workplaces. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “One common characteristic of concern of PFAS is that many break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals, and the environment over time.”
New concerns about the levels of PFAS chemicals in smartwatch bands https://t.co/SKIHz0PAXP
— G. Scott Weston, RPh, MBA, PhD (he/him/his) (@gscottweston) December 26, 2024
First spotted by The Register, the lawsuit filed on Tuesday (Jan. 21) in the Northern District of California, specifically targets Apple’s Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band. The suit alleges that Apple concealed the fact that the bands “contain excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”), which are toxic to human health and the environment.” The bands are said to be made with fluoroelastomer, a type of synthetic rubber made from fluorocarbons. It’s known for being super tough and resistant to things like skin oils and sweat.
The lawsuit also claims that Apple violated California’s consumer protection laws, committed fraud, acted negligently, and unfairly profited from the situation. It’s calling for an injunction to stop the sale of the watch bands in question, along with financial penalties.
What are PFAS and does Apple use it in their products?PFAS has been connected to some pretty serious health concerns, like a higher risk of certain cancers, developmental delays in kids, and even weakening the immune system’s ability to fight off infections.
Basically, these substances are considered pretty risky. Now, imagine wearing something containing PFAS right against your skin for long periods, like a watch band. That creates even more opportunities for your body to absorb them.
The suit points to a study done last year by scientists at the University of Notre Dame, which found high levels of PFAS in several fitness tracker and smartwatch bands, including some made by Apple. The study draws highlights that fluoroelastomers were commonly used in these bands because they’re tough enough to handle sweat, skin oils, and lotions. However, one type of PFAS called perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) was detected in the bands at concerningly high levels.
That said, in November 2022, Apple published a white paper, stating: “Apple has led the industry in removing harmful substances from our product designs, and we go to great lengths to make sure these substances stay out of our products.”
ReadWrite has reached out to Apple for comment.
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