A class action lawsuit in California is attacking several Apple Watch bands due to the potential presence of eternal pollutants.
A month ago, we learned from a study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters that certain connected watch bracelets could emit PFAS, i.e. perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, qualified as eternal pollutants.
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These are in fact watch straps made from fluoroelastomer, a plastic alternative to silicone or rubber that we will find in particular in certain Huawei, Google or Apple watch straps.
We will not have to wait long before this study has some legal repercussions. Indeed, as reported by the British magazine The RegisterApple is now being sued, due to a danger to the health of Apple Watch users.
Three bracelets covered by the complaint
A class action has in fact been launched in California inviting Apple watch owners to join the complaint. Three Apple Watch bracelets marketed by the brand are thus targeted: the classic sports bracelet, the perforated Nike bracelet and the Ocean Band bracelet, all three made from fluoroelastomer.
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« Products contain dangerous chemicals, such as PFAS, that are harmful to the environment and pose a serious risk to human health», Indicates the appeal filed this Tuesday.
The main risk lies in the fact that these bracelets are in direct contact with the skin and perspiration, with pores dilated during physical exercise. However, as the study pointed out, it is unknown to what extent PFAS are absorbed through the skin.
Several alternatives exist to fluoroelastomer. This is the case for silicone or rubber, two materials which have the same interest in terms of resistance to perspiration and elasticity.
