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Apple faces a lawsuit alleging its smartwatch bands contain high levels of toxic "forever chemicals," or PFAS, linked to severe health risks. The lawsuit, filed in the Northern District of California, focuses on the Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band, which are reportedly made from fluoroelastomer, a material resistant to sweat and oils. Plaintiffs claim Apple concealed the presence of PFAS in these bands, violating consumer protection laws.
PFAS, or perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in various products, from cookware to cosmetics, due to their durability and low cost. However, these chemicals are known to persist in the environment and the human body, earning the nickname "forever chemicals." They have been linked to cancer, birth defects, immune system suppression, and fertility issues. The lawsuit alleges prolonged skin contact with these watch bands, particularly during daily use, heightens the risk of PFAS absorption, exacerbated by sweat.
The case references a study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, which tested 22 smartwatch bands and identified high PFAS levels in several, including some by Apple and Apple/Nike. "We found very high concentrations of just one PFAS," said Graham Peaslee, a co-author of the study, highlighting levels exceeding 1,000 parts per billion of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). These findings were published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of failing to disclose PFAS content in its products, even as the company markets its watches as health-promoting devices. "[Apple] continues to hide the existence of PFAS at the point of purchase," the lawsuit states. It further argues that Apple could have used safer manufacturing alternatives, making its actions "unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent."
The plaintiffs assert Apple's actions violate California's unfair competition, advertising, and consumer protection laws. The suit also alleges fraud, misrepresentation, negligence, and unjust enrichment. It seeks class certification, an injunction to halt the sale of the watch bands, and monetary penalties.
Apple has not responded to these allegations. Meanwhile, studies on dermal absorption of PFAS remain limited, with lead researcher Alyssa Wicks stating, "More studies are needed to understand how PFAS travel through the skin."
