Do you own an Apple Watch? According to a recent lawsuit filed against the tech company, you may want to reconsider their watch bands. This lawsuit was filed last week in the Northern District of California. It states that three of Apple’s watch bands contain a chemical that some research has shown to cause cancer.
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These “forever chemical,” as they are sometimes called, falls under the category of PFAS chemicals. These chemicals can be found in a number of products such as clothes, nonstick cookware, hygiene products, and more. The concern with these chemicals has to do with the way they break down. They do so very slowly and can last in the environment for decades.
Because of this, it’s said that the buildup of these chemicals in our body can be harmful. Still, many are saying that this lawsuit will not hold up. This is true, in part, because researchers have indicated the concern from PFAS comes from it being swallowed or inhaled.
Lawsuit Against Apple Alleges Three of Their Watch Bands Could Cause Cancer
Still, those filing this lawsuit insist that Apple should have made it clear to customers that the following bands contain PFAS chemicals:
- Nike Sports Band that ships with Nike-branded Apple Watches
- Ocean Band
- Sports Band that comes stock with new basic model Apple Watches
“Few studies so far have been published regarding the dermal absorption of PFAS,” says Alyssa Wicks, lead author of a Notre Dame University study on PFAS in smart watches says. “One article published earlier this year … found that a couple types of PFAS had significant transfer through the skin … more studies are needed to better understand how PFAS travel through the skin.”
This lawsuit seeks to halt the production of these watch bands. They’re also asking for monetary penalties. Should this lawsuit make any progress, it’ll start with a mini-trial where the allegations will be examined and argued by the attorneys of both sides. Meanwhile, Apple is confident in the safety of its products.
“Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear,” the company shares in a statement. “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.”
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