Some Apple Watch Bands Contain Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' Per Lawsuit [Updated]

[MacRumors]

A class action lawsuit filed against Apple this week in a California federal court accuses the company of false advertising and violating various consumer laws, by failing to disclose that some Apple Watch bands contain toxic materials.

Specifically, the complaint alleges that Apple misleads customers into thinking the Apple Watch has health and wellness benefits, and is safe to wear daily. The complaint cites a recent study that reportedly found some smartwatch bands contain "high levels" of so-called "forever chemicals," also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These substances can be absorbed through skin and can lead to health problems.

For synthetic rubber, PFAS can help to reduce discoloration and stains from sweat and dirt.

According to The Guardian, the study did not indicate which smartwatch brands were found to be using PFAS, but it said the study tested smartwatch models from Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google. Citing the study, the lawsuit alleges that "elevated levels" of the PFAS fluorine were found in the "expensive" category of smartwatch bands, and the complaint alleges that this included some Apple Watch bands. The proposed class is anyone in the U.S. who purchased a Sport Band, Nike Sport Band, or Ocean Band for an Apple Watch.

Apple did not immediately respond to our request for comment. A judge still has to decide whether to allow the class action lawsuit to proceed.

Update: Apple Watch bands are safe to wear, according to Apple.

Apple's full statement:

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.

Article Link: Some Apple Watch Bands Contain Toxic 'Forever Chemicals' Per Lawsuit [Updated]

 

[Living the Dream]

Lovely

 

[Art Mark]

You'd think: 1 - there would need to be clinical evidence of a user having health issues related to these chemicals, or proof that a user has absorbed the chemicals and 2 - that the 'form' of these chemicals are are type that are proven to be absorbed. Not all are. I'm not happy about the fact that the bands have such things, but the lawsuit seems impulsive. But maybe they hope for a quick payout and be done.

 

[SamRyouji]

I've clicked the link to read the study in detail, but sadly it's blocked behind a paywall. I want to see whether the study explicitly mention which brand of those bands, and whether they test those bands purchased from the official stores (in this case: through Apple Stores).

 

[FSMBP]

Lovely

My sentiment as well...Ducking plastic.

 

[vinklarek]

Mother Nature won't be happy, again.

 

[avro707]

i didn’t like the look of the non-metal bands anyhow. Just as well I didn’t choose them.

 

[jz0309]

You'd think: 1 - there would need to be clinical evidence of a user having health issues related to these chemicals, or proof that a user has absorbed the chemicals and 2 - that the 'form' of these chemicals are are type that are proven to be absorbed. Not all are. I'm not happy about the fact that the bands have such things, but the lawsuit seems impulsive. But maybe they hope for a quick payout and be done.

Remember you can sue, and win, if you spill coffee in your lap…

But yes, agree with you, the cited study does not spell out which bands, just they tested several brands

 

[MOFS]

I can’t access the account entirely but the experiment was not about human health but the presence of PFAs in watch bands. They seem very stable [requiring a solvent to break down] so would be surprised if there’s significant human risk from skin contact alone. Just don’t eat your watch straps folks.

 

[julesme]

This article from The Guardian (referenced above) is the reason I switched to a stainless steel band a couple weeks ago. I can definitely recommend the Milanese loop, as it looks and works great so far.

 

[aParkerMusic]

Great, I WANT my Apple Watch bands to last FOREVER!! $49 ain’t cheap!!

 

[jz0309]

The cited study doesn’t provide details, so I would expect Apple to respond to this issue in a reasonable timeframe.

Give this situation, I would definitely stay away from the knock-off bands…

 

[Chuckeee]

Stop licking your watch band!!!

 

[vercordio]

I can completely believe this. I can’t wear any Apple headphones because they put awful filler chemicals in their “premium silicone” to make them cheaper to produce, and eventually I developed an allergy to them. When I reported it, Apple told me to pound rocks.

 

[ReliableSource]

I get the irony of posting this on a forum dedicated to a corporation, but the idea that that McDonald’s coffee lawsuit was frivolous is corporate propaganda designed to make the company look better. They were serving coffee that was way too hot and they lowered the temp because of the lawsuit. It was a good thing.

McDonalds Coffee Case Facts

www.ttla.com

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-mcdonalds-hot-coffee-case/id1380008439?i=1000535147574

That’s not to say this watch band suit isn’t frivolous, just that these companies will spend money and effort on PR to make themselves look like they’re not the bad guys when they often are.

 

[nt5672]

I've clicked the link to read the study in detail, but sadly it's blocked behind a paywall. I want to see whether the study explicitly mention which brand of those bands, and whether they test those bands purchased from the official stores (in this case: through Apple Stores).

I often do this also, but I want to see if the study has assumptions that just do not make common sense. When someone pays for a study, they often get the result they are paying for. I am not saying that applies in this case, because like you indicated, no one can read the actual study without paying.

 

[frenchcamp49er]

The same people bought bands from Tamu

 

[dwaltwhit]

The burden will be to prove that injury was caused. Since this is the first I've ever heard of this possible issue, I find it hard to believe this will be proven.

 

[ifxf]

I wonder if they do this due to so many people on forums like this that obsess over every scratch or discoloration that that happen under usage. They want their Apple stuff to continue looking like it just came out of the box.

 

[bLackjackj]

You'd think: 1 - there would need to be clinical evidence of a user having health issues related to these chemicals, or proof that a user has absorbed the chemicals

Have you not read all the studies in relation to PFAS chemicals?? I would have thought so, in making that comment.

Thats akin to saying you want proof that the chemicals in cigarettes cause cancer.

For your own amusement, the studies have been completed and if Apple is compliant in the use of these deadly chemicals in their watch bands, then they should absolutely be held liable!

 

[baculum]

PFAS are freaking everywhere. The biggest exposures by far come from food packaging. The fact that some watch bands may have some PFAS in them is totally irrelevant to our cumulative environmental exposures. The risk from microplastics is probably far greater, and I don't see anyone suing over the fact that the bands are made from.....PLASTIC! OMG! Until EPA bans all forms of PFAS they will continue to be used in innumerable applications. This is simply another example of lawyers suing Apple because ...that's where the money is

 

[beautyहमempty]

Yeah, there’s a study that kinda proves that for some kind of band from some kind of product some kind of toxic chemicals were found…

 

[maxfromdenmark]

Forever chemicals are serious problem guys. It’s eventually going to ground water and stays in tap water as there is no way to remove it.

 

[ZacKaffeine]

I've clicked the link to read the study in detail, but sadly it's blocked behind a paywall. I want to see whether the study explicitly mention which brand of those bands, and whether they test those bands purchased from the official stores (in this case: through Apple Stores).

I have access to the study through my university.
"Sample Collection. A total of 22 samples were acquired
either through purchase or by donation for analysis and
consisted of numerous brands (Table S1). Watch bands were
purchased online from Best Buy and Amazon in 2023. Bands
acquired through donation consisted of both worn and unworn
bands and ranged in year of purchase from 2018 to 2023. Over
half of the samples (13 of the 22) were advertised as
containing fluoroelastomers. Table S2 notes whether bands
were new or used and if advertised as containing fluoroelas-
tomers."

Edit: These are all the brands that were tested:
"Apple
Apple/Nike
CASETiFY
Fitbit
Google
KingofKings
Modal
Samsung
Tighesen
Vanjua"

 

[JosephAW]

Wondering what material would be safe besides metal? 🤔