Greenpeace report on iPhone leads to lawsuit

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Greenpeace report on iPhone leads to lawsuit

Greenpeace has posted a new report [PDF Link] claiming that the iPhone contains hazardous substances, and findings in the report have led to a lawsuit against Apple. According to research performed by Greenpeace’s Research Laboratories in the UK, the iPhone contains toxic brominated compounds (indicating the presence of brominated flame retardants (BFRs)) and hazardous PVC. “Apple missed a key opportunity when it rolled out the iPhone in June. There is no reason why the iPhone could not have been made without toxins like vinyl plastics and brominated flame retardants as Nokia is already doing,” said Rick Hind of Greenpeace.

Afterwards, The Center for Environmental Health announced that it is suing Apple based on research found in the Greenpeace report. According to the Center, California’s Proposition 65 law states that products exposing consumers to phthalates or other chemicals known to be reproductive toxins or carcinogens must carry a warning label. The iPhone does not. “In general what we try to do is encourage the manufacturers through a negotiated settlement to reduce the use of these chemicals,” said Caroline Cox, spokeswoman for the Center for Environmental Health. “That would be our goal with Apple.”

In May, Apple CEO Steve Jobs penned an update, “A Greener Apple”, focusing on Apple’s environmental efforts, in which he said: “Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008.” [via MacWorld]

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Comments

21

Toxic chemicals in abundance and toxic chemical reductions. An extreme left wing radical environmental group versus a Corporate CEO whose primary motive is mazimizing profit. Moderation is lost on them.

Posted by SouthernGothic on October 17, 2007 at 1:25 AM (PDT)

22

Brownie was not griping about “fanboys”. He was just making an observation. Reading the posts from “fanboys” is very entertaining. So I do like it and that is why I read it. Before buying an iPod and accessing this site I never knew people could be as much of a devoted fan to a corporation as they could to something like their favorite football team for example.

Posted by Brownie on October 17, 2007 at 11:30 AM (PDT)

23

Greenpeace “butts in” to issues like this, because no one else will. Without Greenpeace, what do you think the earth would be like? For one thing we probably wouldnt have any whales left. Aside from that, if I was using something- say like an Iphone- that could possibly give me cancer, I would want to know about.

And if you think its a load of bull, why are you getting so annoyed? Just ignore it and enjoy your new iphone.

Greenpeace does amazing work for a variety of areas including environmental issues such as GE, forests, oceans and energy. And if it werent for their “butting in”, the earth would be in a far worse state than what it already is.

Posted by Amber on April 10, 2008 at 6:58 PM (PDT)

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