Apple faces a lawsuit over the presence of harmful 'forever chemicals' in its watch bands.

Apple is facing a class-action lawsuit that alleges the company has marketed Apple Watch bands with high levels of PFAS, known as "forever chemicals," without adequately informing consumers about their presence or the health risks associated with them. These "forever chemicals" are dubbed so due to their notable persistence in the environment and their inability to break down naturally. They can also accumulate in the body over time and are associated with an increased risk of cancer, immune system suppression, and potential harm to fetuses. Studies are currently being conducted to assess the risks linked to these chemicals.

The recently uncovered lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of California and specifically mentions three types of Apple Watch bands: Sport Band, Ocean Band, and Nike Sport Band. These bands are made of fluoroelastomer, a type of synthetic rubber based on fluorocarbon, known for its resistance to oils and skin sweat.

The plaintiffs claim that Apple is aware of the presence of PFAS in its products and the potential dangers this poses. They also accuse the company of violating California consumer protection laws, as well as committing fraud, negligence, and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit seeks an order to halt the sale of these bands and also imposes possible financial penalties.

According to the claim, Apple could have avoided these safety and environmental risks by using available manufacturing alternatives, and its failure to do so, despite its promise to provide health, wellness, and sustainability to consumers, is deemed illegal, unfair, and fraudulent under consumer protection laws. Research from the University of Notre Dame notes that several of these bands are tailored for sports and fitness enthusiasts. Wearing one of these bands during exercise may increase contact with sweat and exposure through open pores, providing a simple route for harmful substances to enter the body.

The researchers do not specify which bands were analyzed, although they mention that some products made by Apple and Apple/Nike were included in the study. It is unclear whether the three bands mentioned in the lawsuit were involved in this research. The company has been contacted for comments regarding the legal situation, and a response is awaited.