Activists target chemicals used in iPhones

Apple’s work practices are under attack by two activist groups who say the company makes its iPhones with a hazardous mix of chemicals that threaten the health of factory workers assembling the devices in China.

The campaign began last week with an online petition put together by China Labour Watch, a longtime Apple critic, and Green America, an environmental protection group.

If enough consumers sign the “Bad Apple” petition, the two groups hope to pressure the company into abandoning the use of two chemicals, benzene and n-hexane, in the production of the iPhone, Apple’s top-selling product.

Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause leukaemia if not handled properly and n-hexane has been linked to nerve damage.

In a statement, Apple said it has already stopped using many hazardous chemicals, including PVC plastic and brominated flame, and it ensures all remaining toxic substances comply with US safety standards.

“Last year, we conducted nearly 200 factory inspections which focused on hazardous chemicals, to make sure those facilities meet our strict standards,” said Apple.

The protesting groups believe Apple’s factory inspections and reports of findings have been whitewashing the real working conditions. They say they suspect many of the estimated 1.5m workers in overseas factories hired by Apple are still logging gruelling hours and, in some cases, being exposed to dangerous materials without proper training.

“Apple touts itself as a socially responsible leader in the tech industry, but to really be a leader, Apple must put a stop to worker poisoning and ensure sick workers are receiving treatment,” said Elizabeth O’Connell, Green America’s campaign director.

Coming up with a safer manufacturing recipe for the iPhone would cost less than $1 (€0.72) per device, O’Connell estimated. Apple earned $37bn during its last fiscal year.

Neither benzene nor n-hexane is unique to Apple’s manufacturing process. Last year a South Korean court ruled Samsung had not fully examined the health risk in its chip factories after a 29-year-old worker died of leukaemia in 2009.

Low levels of benzene are also found in petrol, cigarettes, paints, glues, and detergents.

Meanwhile, Greenpeace energy campaigner Tom Dowdall blogged last month: “Since Tim Cook took the helm, Apple’s increased transparency and accountability back down the supply chain has signific-antly improved, and is quickly becoming a hallmark of his leadership at the company.”