Apple states unequivocally: ‘Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear’

A study from the University of Notre Dame, published in December last year, revealed that PFAS chemicals were present in 15 out of 22 tested smartwatch and fitness tracker bands.

Although the study did not name which brands contained PFAS, it included tests on products from Nike, Apple, Fitbit, and Google. Lead researcher Graham Peaslee expressed concern over the findings, noting that the PFAS levels in these bands were “much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products.”

Peaslee was particularly alarmed because these chemicals were found in bands marketed for “sport,” where sweat could accelerate the absorption of PFAS through the skin.

Jordan King for Newsweek:
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Following this report, a class action lawsuit was filed that cited the study.

Apple issued a statement on Thursday, which said: “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.”

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MacDailyNews Take: In November 2022, Apple published a support document outlining the company’s “commitment to phasing out per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)” which begins:

At Apple, we have a long history of leading in the removal of potentially harmful substances. This means
proactively restricting hazardous substances and using safer materials in Apple products and
manufacturing processes to ensure the well-being of our employees, our customers, people in our supply
chain, and the planet, while driving change that goes beyond what is required for regulatory compliance.
We’ve done so since the late 1990s, rigorously assessing chemicals and removing those that don’t align
with our goals, such as replacing PVC with safer thermoplastic elastomers and eliminating brominated
flame retardants from thousands of enclosures, cables, circuit boards, and connectors. As part of our long-
standing commitment to design products that are better for the environment and for people, we’re releasing
this white paper to detail our commitment to phase out our use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances
(PFAS). As part of this effort, we plan to engage all of our supply chain partners to restrict PFAS from our
products and manufacturing processes and to develop safer alternatives that not only maintain, but may
even enhance, the performance of Apple products.

The environmental implications of the use of PFAS are significant, and we’re responding with focus and
dedication. We want to thoughtfully phase out PFAS in a way that does not result in regrettable substitutions.
We’re prioritizing our phaseout activities on applications that result in the highest volumes of PFAS
reductions and the most meaningful environmental impact. It will take time for Apple to completely phase
out PFAS from our products and processes because of the challenges related to compiling a
comprehensive catalog of PFAS use, identifying and developing non-PFAS alternatives that can meet the
performance needs for certain critical applications, and taking into account the time needed for material
qualification.