Apple-Bänder sind nach Bericht über giftige Chemikalien und Klage sicher zu tragen, meldet die Firma.

The company claims that Apple Watch bands can be worn safely after concerns were raised about some intelligent watch bands being coated with organic substances (PFAS).

PFAS is linked to a range of health worries and is referred to as "eternal chemicals" because it does not break down in the body or the environment.

University Notre Dame: Study on PFAS

A study by the University of Notre Dame found that PFAS was detected in nine different smartwatch and fitness tracker brands. The exact brands tested and positive for were not identified, but the study emphasizes that Apple bands were included.

The results showed that out of 22 tested bands, nine had an elevated concentration of a certain type of PFAS called perfluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA). Elevated concentrations of PFHxA were more frequently found in higher-priced watchbands or those costing more than $15.

The chemicals migrate from treated surfaces to the skin and dust and air, creating multiple exposure pathways including breathing, eating, and dermal uptake. Peaslee and his team referred to this as an important concern with water-based consumption goods [...]

Eternal chemicals are linked to several health conditions, including immunosuppression, hormonal dysregulation, developmental delays in children, low birth weight, and accelerated puberty, high blood pressure in pregnant women, and increased risk for certain cancers such as esophageal cancer and testicular cancer.

The team's main concern is that PFAS can be transferred through the skin, although more research is needed to determine how far this occurs.

School uniform lawsuit targets three Apple Watch bands

The Register reported that Apple is now involved in a procedure against the use of PFAS in three Apple Watch bands.

The lawsuit was filed yesterday in Northern District of California against three Apple Watch armbands: The Sportband, which comes with new base models of Apple Watch, the Sea Turtle band, and the Nike Sportsband sent with Nike-branded Apple Watches. Apple describes all three as being made from fluoroelastomer, while the lawsuit claims that this conceals the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

Apple claims bands are safe, but is phasing out PFAS

Apple discovers that PFAS is present in some of its products, with fluoropolymers being described as those with the highest concentrations. However, it claims that its bands are safe.

Apple watchbands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our own tests, we also work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous tests and analyses of the materials in our products, including Apple watchbands.

Despite this, Newsweek reported that the company has made plans to phase out PFAS long-term.

Apple also announced that they will completely eliminate the use of PFAS in their products. A document published by the company in November 2022 stated: "We began evaluating the PFAS class with the highest production volume in our products - fluoropolymers."

The company claims this is done with safety reservations.

Our analysis showed that these materials are safe during product use. However, we found it important to broaden our scope and consider manufacturing along the supply chain. We concluded that our goal is to limit the use of all PFAS components. A complete phase-out of PFAS from Apple products and processes will take time.

Apple calls PFAS "harmful," but this could refer to the environmental impact of a chemical that can never be properly disposed of.

We must ensure that non-PFAS alternatives do not become regrettable substitutes – where alternatives are as harmful as the PFAS being replaced or even more harmful.