Three Apple Watch bands are the target of a class action lawsuit filed Tuesday in California: the Sport, Sport Nike and Ocean models. They have in common that they are made of fluoroelastomer, a type of rubber designed to withstand harsh environments. In fact, it is the ideal material for bands primarily intended for sports activities.
PFAS of all dangers
The fault of the fluoroelastomer used by Apple is that it contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), synthetic chemical compounds that have the characteristic of being very resistant to degradation in the environment and in the human body. They are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they take a long time to break down naturally.
One problem with PFAS is their supposed health effects: they are linked to increased risks of cancer, immunodeficiency, and increased cholesterol. And because these chemicals are “forever”—they remain in the environment long after they are used—they pose a significant challenge for waste management and cleanup.
Some of the chemicals in this family are already banned in many countries. The lawsuit against Apple is based on a study from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. Published last December, it shows high levels of PFAS in 22 watch straps and smartbands manufactured by Apple, Fitbit, Google and Samsung.
The study does not specify the straps used, but does mention Apple and Nike. The three straps in question in the complaint are not named by the researchers, however, which did not stop the plaintiffs from getting involved. Apple responded publicly to Newsweek:
The manufacturer also reiterates its commitment made by the end of 2022 to “completely eliminate” the use of PFAS in its products. A long-term task: it is necessary to create a detailed catalogue of the uses of PFAS in electronics and to develop alternatives without PFAS. It is also absolutely necessary to avoid the alternatives ultimately being as harmful, or even more so, than the PFAS they replace.
Source: The Register
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