When it comes to smartwatches, the Apple Watch Series is one of the most popular ones. However, a lawsuit was recently filed against Apple in the US, accusing the company of failing to disclose harmful substances on three straps - the Sports Band, Ocean Band and Nike Sports Band.
The harmful substances are referred to as Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are often used in non-stick pans and durable clothing products. According to the lawsuit, it said studies from the University of Notre Dame in 2024 have shown that PFAS can cause serious health risks such as cancer, immune system suppression and damaging the fetus.
The university detected high levels of PFAS in various watch straps, including Apple, with high concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFAS tend to linger around in the environment and accumulate "forever chemicals", and the risk increases when straps are used in sweaty activities which facilitates the absorption of chemicals into the skin.
Apple allegedly promised in 2022 to remove PFAS from its products but appears to continue selling the straps. With that, the company is being sued for fraud, negligence and violating California consumer protection laws. The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to prohibit the sale of those straps and financial compensation.
In response to the lawsuit, Apple said its Watch bands are safe to wear. The company also said in addition to its own testing, it works with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of all its products, including Apple Watch bands. However, Apple said the removal of potentially harmful chemicals from its products and manufacturing processes often takes a lot of time.
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