According to the company, Apple Watch bands are safe for users, despite reports raising concerns about the presence of PFAS (polyfluoroalkyl substances) in several smartwatch bands.
PFAS has been associated with various health issues and is often referred to as a “forever chemical” due to its persistence in both the human body and the environment.
PFAS Study by the University of Notre Dame
A study conducted by the University of Notre Dame revealed PFAS was detected in nine different brands of smartwatches and fitness trackers. While specific brands were not disclosed, Apple bands were among those tested.
The findings indicated that nine out of 22 tested bands exhibited high levels of a PFAS variant known as perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). Notably, elevated PFHxA levels were more frequently found in watchbands priced above $15.
The chemicals can migrate from treated surfaces onto skin, as well as into dust and air, leading to multiple exposure pathways including inhalation, ingestion, and skin absorption. Researchers noted that this poses a significant risk for consumer wearable products.
Forever chemicals have been correlated with various health issues such as immune system suppression, hormone disruption, developmental delays in children, low birth weights, early puberty, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and an increased likelihood of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancers.
A particular concern highlighted by researchers is the potential for PFAS to permeate through the skin, although more investigation is necessary to determine the extent of this absorption.
Lawsuit Targets Three Apple Watch Bands
The Register reports that Apple is currently facing a lawsuit regarding PFAS in three of its Apple Watch bands.
The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, specifically names three models: the Sport Band that comes standard with basic model Apple Watches, the Ocean Band, and the Nike Sport Band included with Nike-branded Apple Watches. Apple describes these bands as being constructed from fluoroelastomer, which the lawsuit alleges hides the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.
Apple Claims Bands Are Safe, Plans to Phase Out PFAS
Apple acknowledges that some of its products contain PFAS, with fluoropolymers being noted as having the highest concentrations. Nevertheless, the company insists that its bands are safe for consumers.
We assert that Apple Watch bands are safe for users. In addition to our in-house evaluations, we collaborate with independent labs to conduct thorough testing and analysis of materials used in all our products, including Apple Watch bands.
Nonetheless, Newsweek has reported that Apple intends to gradually eliminate PFAS from its products.
Apple announced plans to “completely phase out” PFAS use across its product lines. In a document from November 2022, the company stated, “We have commenced an evaluation of the PFAS category that is used most extensively in our products—the fluoropolymers.”
This approach is said to be unrelated to safety concerns.
While our analysis has determined that these materials are safe during product use, we believe it’s essential to extend our evaluation to cover the entire manufacturing supply chain. We concluded that our objective should be to limit the use of all PFAS compounds. Achieving a comprehensive phaseout of PFAS from Apple products and processes will take time.
Apple describes PFAS as “harmful,” though this may pertain primarily to the environmental ramifications of a chemical that cannot be adequately disposed of.
We must ensure that the alternatives to PFAS do not lead to regrettable substitutions, where replacements could be equally or even more damaging than the PFAS they’re substituting.
Image: DMN collage of Apple images
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