- Apple faces a collective appeal concerning its Apple Watch bracelets
- The trial alleys that the existence of PFAS in its products Apply “hides”, claiming that it is a false publicity.
- Apple retaliated by saying that its bracelets can be carried safely
Apple has been the subject of a collective recourse alleging that some of the best Apple Watch bracelets in the company contain dangerous levels of “eternal chemicals”.
The pursuit was filed in California on January 21, on behalf of the customers who bought the Watch Sport Band of Apple, the Ocean Band for the Apple Watch Ultra 2 and the Nike Sport Band. He indicates that Apple “announces these products as designed to support and improve human health and well-being, sustainable environmentally and adapted to daily use and port. However, in truth, they contain excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyle substances (“PFAS”). , which are toxic to human health and the environment.
The complaint was filed following a study by the University of Notre Dame which revealed high levels of these “eternal chemicals” in smart watches bracelets.
The study revealed that “many” bands announced as containing fluoroelastomers also contained high concentrations of PFAS, with certain very high concentrations, especially in the most expensive bands.
Based on the results of the study, this pursuit alleys that Apple knows that its products contain PFAS and that they are harmful to consumers (the company is gradually eliminating them), but does not inform consumers of products which contain harmful chemicals.
The pursuit continues: “Instead, with regard to watches, the defendant continues to hide the existence of the PFAS at the time of purchase and elsewhere. They also promise the opposite: that these products are specifically designed to improve human health and are environmentally friendly. Consumers would therefore have reasonably no way of knowing that products contain harmful chemicals and would rather believe what the defendant falsely promises. »»
The pursuit also alleys that Apple could have chosen not to use these materials, but chose to put them in the bands to give it an advantage over its competitors.
Apple response: Is your Apple Watch bracelet dangerous?
In response to the prosecution, Apple told Techradar: “Apple Watch bracelets can be safely worn by users. In addition to our own tests, we also work with independent laboratories to carry out rigorous tests and analyzes of the materials used in our products, including those of Apple. Watch bracelets. “
Apple also reminded us of its history of suppression of harmful chemicals in products and manufacturing, and noted that its own restrictions often go beyond the regulations in force when it comes to protecting human health.
The pursuit alleys that the aforementioned study revealed high levels of PFAS in “comprising” bands That of Apple, an affirmation which is not immediately supported by the results of the study. As we mentioned in our initial article reporting on the study, public data do not indicate which bracelets of manufacturers contain high levels of chemicals; They are not identified by their name, but by an identification sample. The brands tested included Apple, Casety, Fitbit, Google and Samsung.
PFAs and their risks
The presence of PFAS in consumer products is a complex issue. Research indicates that PFAS is linked to increased risk and incidence of certain types of cancer, and chemicals are nicknamed “eternal chemicals” because their structure is so durable that they do not degrade or decompose Not over time.
However, there are other warnings. There is only a small number of research on the risk of absorption of PFAS by the skin, some specialists suggesting that it is unlikely that a significant quantity is absorbed by the skin.
In addition, the aforementioned study tests involved the chemical extraction of the compounds of the bracelet to confirm the levels, which does not reproduce the experience of a person wearing an intelligent watch.
As for the prosecution, it requests the usual repair measures, injunctions forcing Apple to modify its commercial practices and monetary compensation for the users concerned. You can read the full trial here.
