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

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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.

3 4 24 Sport Band Refresh Feature
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.

Related Roundup: Apple Watch 11
Tag: Apple Lawsuits
Buyer's Guide: Apple Watch (Neutral)

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Top Rated Comments

ReliableSource Avatar
ReliableSource
14 months ago
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.

https://www.ttla.com/index.cfm?pg=mcdonaldscoffeecasefacts

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.
Score: 21 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MOFS Avatar
MOFS
14 months ago
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.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
aParkerMusic Avatar
aParkerMusic
14 months ago
Great, I WANT my Apple Watch bands to last FOREVER!! $49 ain’t cheap!!
Score: 13 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Art Mark Avatar
Art Mark
14 months ago
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.
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ApplesAreSweet&Sour Avatar
ApplesAreSweet&Sour
14 months ago
It would appear I was wrong in assuming the material Apple uses for their bands is equal to the PFAS rubber/plastic/silicone used in other applications. Apple's Watch Band fluoroelastomers are different.

From what I can gather, it's quite thoroughly tested. And, at the very least, wouldn't ever expose the Apple Watch user to PFAS while using the band.

According to Apple, it's all been tested thoroughly by third parties.:

"The fluoroelastomer used in Apple Watch Sport Bands and Ocean Bands is a high-performance material designed for durability, comfort, and resistance to sweat, oils, and environmental exposure. While these bands are made of fluoroelastomer, they differ significantly from industrial-grade PFAS applications in terms of safety and environmental impact. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Does it involve PFAS?

• Technically, yes: Fluoroelastomers are part of the PFAS family because they rely on fluorinated polymers, which are defined by their strong carbon-fluorine bonds. The material itself is considered a polymeric PFAS.

• However, polymeric PFAS like fluoroelastomers are chemically stable and are not the same as the more concerning small-molecule PFAS (like PFOA and PFOS) that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic in the environment.

2. Are these bands treated with harmful PFAS chemicals?

• No. Apple ensures its products comply with stringent environmental standards:

• No harmful PFAS like PFOA or PFOS are present in Apple Watch bands.

• Apple has a rigorous policy against the use of restricted chemicals and prioritizes safe materials in their products, verified through third-party testing.

3. Safety and Environmental Considerations

• The fluoroelastomer in Apple Watch bands is inert, meaning it is chemically stable and does not break down to release harmful PFAS compounds under normal conditions.

• Apple is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and works to ensure that materials used in its products meet regulations such as:

• EU REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals)

• U.S. EPA guidelines on PFAS

• International restrictions on hazardous substances.

4. Key Takeaway

While the material in Apple Watch bands (fluoroelastomer) belongs to the broader PFAS family, it is a polymeric and stable form of PFAS that does not pose the same risks as the small-molecule, environmentally persistent PFAS compounds. These bands are safe for use, comply with global safety standards, and are designed to minimize environmental impact."
Score: 10 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ApplesAreSweet&Sour Avatar
ApplesAreSweet&Sour
14 months ago

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.
Unfortunately, you don't get any kind of reaction from PFAS, allergic or otherwise.

It "just" gets absorbed into your body through any part of your body and stays there for a very long time.

It's not that any singular source of PFAS can really do much damage, unless it's very concentrated which is very rare.

It's the "cocktail effect" in play that's worrying as most of us are exposed to PFAS through many sources which then accumulates in the body because of how long it takes to excrete them again.

They can cause a number of hormonal issues and cancers so they really should be banned from everything.

I don't know why everyone in here is making fun of this lawsuit?

If the Watch Sports Band, or any bands contains PFAS then many millions of people around the world are getting exposed every day, around the clock.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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