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Group Hits Apple Over 'Toxic' iPhone

Phones said to contain substance banned in California's 'Toxic Toys Bill'

By Mark Huffman
ConsumerAffairs.com

October 16, 2007 

The complaint comes on the heels of a report by the environmental group Greenpeace, which said it had discovered phthalates, chemicals that can cause birth defects, in the plastic coating of the earphone’s wiring.

Apple has not immediately responded to the complaint. Under California law, it has 60 days to do so.

The use of toxic material in electronic equipment is an emerging issue for many manufacturers, requiring a review of production processes as well as environmental law. Apple, in fact, has recently begun closely consulting with environmental groups and has unveiled a new corporate environmental policy.

Phthalates are a group of chemical compounds that are used to turn hard plastics into soft, pliable plastic. They were first produced during the 1920s, and have been produced in large quantities since the 1950s.

Earlier this week California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the "Toxic Toys Bill," which bans phthalates in toys and other children's products.

“We must take this action to protect our children,” Schwarzenegger said in a statement. “These chemicals threaten the health and safety of our children at critical stages of their development.”

Though it doesn’t specifically address mobile phones, the bill prohibits the manufacture, sale and distribution of toys and child care products used by children under the age of three that contain phthalates.

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