Apple Faces Lawsuit Over Use of Hazardous ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Watch Bands

Apple has been sued over the high levels of “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in its smartwatch bands that may be linked to harmful effects on human health.

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the Northern District of California, specifically targets three Apple Watch bands: the Sport Band, which comes stock with the new basic model Apple Watch, the Ocean Band, and the Nike Sport Band, Which ships with the Nike-branded Apple Watch.

Apple describes all three bands as being made of fluoroelastomer, while the lawsuit alleges that the bands conceal the existence of PFAS.

Apple Faces Lawsuit

The lawsuit against Apple claims, “Apple was in a position to avoid unreasonable safety and environmental hazards by using available manufacturing alternatives, and failed to do so, despite promises of health, welfare, and sustainability to consumers.” “Continuing to do so is illegal, unjust, and fraudulent under consumer protection laws.”

Research from the University of Notre Dame notes that many watch bands target “sports and fitness” enthusiasts.

Wearing these during exercise will mean increased exposure to sweat and these harmful chemicals entering the skin and bloodstream through open skin pores.

The researchers don’t say which bands were tested, but they mention Apple and Apple/Nike products.

The Scientific Reason Behind Lawsuit

The lawsuit, which is a proposed class action and would involve anyone who purchased an Apple Watch that had one of the offending fluoroelastomer bands, is based on a study conducted by scientists at the University of Notre Dame.

The study, published in December, found that many fitness trackers and smartwatch bands, including those made by Apple, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung, had high levels of PFAS.

The study tested 22 different bands, using particle-induced gamma-ray emission ion beam analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to detect fluorine content — indicating that PFAS are present.

According to the study, fluoroelastomers were a common material often used in the manufacture of the bands because they are able to resist sweat, skin oils, and lotions.

One particular type of PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), was found at high levels in the bands.

Conclusion

Many smartphone and tech gadget companies launch many of their tech gadgets every year.

In 2024 also many smartphone companies and smartwatch companies launched their products.

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Apple, alleging that the technology giant sold Apple Watch bands that contained high levels of PFAS — commonly known as “forever chemicals.”

Is known to exist — without properly informing consumers about its existence or the health risks associated with it. “Forever chemicals” are so named because they are extremely stable in the environment.