This clause has been updated with a statement from Apple .

Apple is the aim of a class action case alleging that the technical school giant has been sell Apple Watch stria containing mellow levels of PFAS — usually known as “ forever chemicals ” — without properly informing customers of their presence or associated wellness risk . Forever chemicals are so called due to their extreme persistence in the environment and unfitness to break down naturally . They can also progress up in the body over time and have been connect to increase cancer risk , resistant system crushing , and likely hurt to unborn child . Studies are ongoing to learn the level of risk sequester to such chemicals .

The lawsuit , which was firstspotted by The Registerafter it was filed this week in the Northern District of California , singles out three Apple Watch bands : the Sport Band , Ocean Band , and Nike Sport Band , each of which is made from fluoroelastomer , a fluorocarbon - base man-made rubber noted for its resiliency against skin oil colour and swither .

The socio-economic class action suit , which includes anyone who has purchased one of the name bands with or without an Apple Watch , bring up a study carry outby University of Notre Dame scientistslast yr , which discover promote PFAS levels in several fittingness tracker and smartwatch band , include some fabricate by Apple . The study test 22 different bands and constitute high concentrations of perfluorohexanoic acid ( PFHxA ) , a type of PFAS , in some samples .

The plaintiffs allege that Apple is aware of the presence of PFAS in its products and of their possible dangers . It also accuses Apple of violate California ’s consumer protection constabulary , fraud , negligence , and of inequitable enrichment . The action is assay an injunction to stop the sale of the so-called offending watch bands , as well as monetary penalties .

“ [ Apple ] could have avoided the unreasonable safety and environmental hazard with usable manufacturing choice , and its unsuccessful person to do so while continuing to promise consumer health , wellness , and sustainability is illegitimate , unjust , and fraudulent under consumer tribute laws , ” the lawsuit claims .

The University of Notre Dame ’s inquiry points out how multiple watch band are market toward “ sports and fitness ” enthusiasts . Wearing one during exercise would mean increased sweat contact and undetermined peel pore , offering an promiscuous route for the harmful chemicals to ooze into the peel and blood stream . The research worker do n’t say which specific bands were test , but they do mention Apple and Apple / Nike merchandise . It should also be observe that it ’s not currently clear if the three bands bring up in the lawsuit were part of the report .

In an emailed program line to Digital Trends , Apple state : “ Apple Watch bands are secure for users to break . In addition to our own testing , we also play with independent lab to conduct rigorous examination and analysis of the materials used in our product , including Apple Watch bands . ”