Environmental organizations China Labor Watch and Green America called on Apple to “stop unnecessarily exposing workers in its Chinese manufacturing facilities to toxic chemicals that cause very serious illnesses.”
China Labor Watch told the Guardian, “Together with Green America, we demand that Apple take responsibility and stop using chemicals such as the solvent n-hexane and the carcinogenic benzene, which is known to cause leukemia in workers.”
Apple suppliers use the solvents and benzene because it dries three times faster than traditional solvents, allowing workers to clean the screen glass faster. Excessive exposure to n-hexane can cause nerve damage, even paralysis, according to doctors.
The Guardian has managed to obtain a statement from Apple regarding the allegations made by the two environmental groups.
“For the past decade, Apple has been working to remove toxic substances like lead, mercury, brominated flame retardants, and PVC from its products, which is very safe for both workers and consumers. We will require our suppliers around the world to adhere to the safety standards of OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists.”
