A class action lawsuit has been filed against Apple this week in a California federal court. The suit accuses the company of both false advertising and violating multiple consumer laws for not disclosing that some Apple Watch bands contain toxic “forever chemicals,” according to a report from MacRumors.
The complaint alleges that Apple misleads Apple Watch into thinking the has health and wellness benefits, and is safe to wear daily. The complaint mentions a study that reportedly found some smartwatch bands contain “high levels” of so-called “forever chemicals.” The complaint says the chemicals in question are known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which can help to reduce discoloration and stains from sweat and dirt on synthetic rubber. These substances can be absorbed through skin, possibly leading to health problems.
The Guardian reports that while the study did not specify which smartwatches were found to be using PFAS in their bands, tested smartwatch models include devices from Apple, Nike, Fitbit, and Google. The lawsuit alleges that the study found “elevated levels” of the PFAS fluorine in the “expensive” category of smartwatch bands, which the complaint alleges includes 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.
A judge will need to decide whether to allow the class action lawsuit to go forward.
