Apple has been hit with a class action lawsuit that alleges its Apple Watch bands contain high levels of harmful “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
The lawsuit filed in California alleges that these chemicals are present in three types of bands –the Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band – all of which are currently being sold in Australia.
PFAs have been linked to severe health risks including immune suppression, cancer, and developmental harm among unborn children.
The lawsuit cites a 2024 study by the University of Notre Dame as finding the high levels of PFAs in multiple watch bands that it tested, among which were those from Apple. The lawsuit states, “[Apple] advertises these Products as designed to support and further human health and wellness, environmentally sustainable, and suitable for everyday use and wear. However, in truth, they contain excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances(“PFAS”), which are toxic to human health and the environment.”
Furthermore, it contends that Apple knowingly sold these bands despite its 2022 commitment to eliminate PFAS from its products. Back then, Apple said that it was committed to “completely phase out” its use of PFAS in its products and manufacturing processes.
The company said it would “take time” for this process to be completed, due to various challenges, including identifying and developing non-PFAS alternatives that meet certain “performance needs.”
In response to the latest lawsuit, Macrumors reported on a statement issued by Apple which stated, “Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our own 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 University of Notre Dame study studied the watch bands from 22 brands including Nike, Fitbit and Google, and found that 15 of them had PFAs giving rise to serious concerns about the health hazards of some of the most popular wearables available today.
