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Apple Watch bands are made from different materials and it is alleged the chemicals used to make them can be life endangering.
The Watch Band lawsuit alleges its material can endues cancer
Apple has recently made the news for allegedly putting its customers at risk for cancer. In a recent case, Apple is being sued for allegedly exposing users to harmful chemicals that might cause cancer and other severe health problems.
According to a Daily Mail report, the lawsuit alleges that significant concentrations of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also referred to as “forever chemicals,” which have been connected to several health issues, are present in the Ocean Band, Nike Sport Band, standard Sport Watch bands.
Meanwhile, PFAS compounds are known for their propensity to linger in the environment and the human body. These chemicals are linked to fertility issues, prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, as well as birth abnormalities. The complaint is based on a study that found 15 of the 22 Watch bands from different manufacturers contained dangerous PFAS chemicals.
The lawsuit was filed in Northern California’s United States District Court. According to the lawsuit, Apple chose to use less safe substitutes to save money on operations even though it was aware that these substances were there. Reportedly, Apple has responded by reassuring users that wearing its Apple Watch bands is safe.
“Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our testing, we also work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the materials used in our products, including Apple Watch bands,” the company said in a statement as per Mashable.
For a long time, Apple has claimed that the fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber that includes fluorine but no dangerous PFAS compounds, is used to make its Watch bands. Fluoroelastomer, according to the company, is safe and has undergone extensive testing to satisfy health regulations. But these allegations are explicitly contested in the case, which contends that Apple has hidden the presence of PFAS and other potentially harmful substances in its fluoroelastomer-based bands.
Apple Watch bands, which track users’ heart rates, steps and sleep patterns, are heavily promoted as health-tracking accessories.
According to the lawsuit, the irony is that a product intended to promote health could expose users to dangerous drugs. The lawsuit draws attention to the inconsistency between Apple’s claims to promote health and the possible risks concealed in its goods.
