Apple Slapped With Lawsuit Over Toxic Chemicals In Its Watch Bands

Studies have shown that these chemicals are so dangerous, they've earned the title of "forever chemicals". They are branded forever chemicals because they are known to remain in the human body or environment for decades without breaking down. When absorbed in the human body, it has been alleged that PFAS can lead to delays in child development, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer. The presence of PFAS in consumer products has long been established since the 1950s. They were found in clothes, cleaning agents, and many personal care items. However, a recent study by researchers from Notre Dame University is the first to investigate the presence of PFAs in fitness trackers and smartwatch bands. Their findings revealed that several smartwatch bands, including those produced by Apple, contain PFAS.
Watch manufacturers use PFAS to make watch bands resistant to sweat and oil. However, the same properties that make PFAS fluid-resistant also contribute to their persistence in the body or environment. Highlighting the dangers facing consumers, Notre Dame professor emeritus and study co-author Graham Peaslee observed; "the most remarkable thing we found in this study was the very high concentrations of just one PFAS — there were some samples above 1,000 parts per billion of PFHxA, which is much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products."

The plaintiffs then contend that Apple's action violates three California laws: Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, and Consumers Legal Remedies Act. Additionally, they allege fraud, fraudulent inducement, fraudulent omission, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation, and unjust enrichment against Apple. The essence of this suit is to stop the sale and advertisement of the specified watch bands and obtain monetary compensation on behalf of affected consumers.