In recent days, Apple has been involved in a controversy linked to the bracelets of its famous smart watches, the Apple Watch. A collective appeal filed before a Federal Court of California allegedly alleged that some of these straps could contain high levels of toxic chemicals known as SPFA (Perfluoroalkyls and polyfluoroalkylakyls), which are associated with health problems such as hormonal alterations and certain types of cancer. Apple responded to the recent trial, claiming that Its straps are safe for users And this is confirmed both by its laboratories and by independent laboratories.
“Apple Watch bracelets are safe,” according to Apple about PFAS
It took Apple two days to publish a declaration in response to the collective appeal brought against Apple Watch bracelets. This trial, as we have mentioned, claims that the bracelets contain PFAS, which could represent a violation of several laws in the United States, as well as a misleading advertising the Apple Watch as a device that protects health . According to the complainants, The bracelets concerned include models such as sport band, Nike Sport Band and the Ocean Band.. The group also accuses the company of not having shown reasonable diligence to eliminate these potentially harmful materials from its products, despite its public commitment in 2022 of doing so gradually.
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The company claims to carry out rigorous internal tests and collaborate with independent laboratories to guarantee the quality and safety of the materials used in the manufacture of its products. Also, do not forget that your standards relating to the elimination of dangerous chemicals are often exceed the requirements provided for by regulation. Macrumors echoed the declaration made by Apple to the media in his response to the trial:
Apple Watch bracelets are safe for 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 Apple Watch bracelets.
He also assured that Apple tries to eliminate all the PFASs from its products both in the manufacturing process and in the final device. We will see how all this request will end, which seems to take, once again, years.
What are the PFAS and why are they worrying?
PFAS are chemicals widely used in the manufacture of products for their resistance and sustainability. However, his presence in everyday objects, such as the bracelets of intelligent watches, arouses concerns. risks Due to its toxicity. These substances can absorbed by the skin And even if experts differ on the extent of this risk, a simple prolonged contact could be harmful.
The collective appeal brought against Apple not only aims to obtain financial compensation for the consumers concerned, but also Practice changes business marketing. According to legal documents, Apple deliberately hid the presence of PFAS in its bracelets, while promoting its products as insurance and oriented towards human well-being and environmental sustainability.
In addition, it should be noted that Apple could have chosen safer materials To avoid these risks, but decided to maintain the use of PFASs to stand out from the competition. It should be mentioned that this type of trial is not exclusive to Apple; Other technological companies, such as Samsung, have also been the subject of surveys for similar situations.
