Aug 14, 2014 07:00 PM EDT
Apple Bans Two Potentially Hazadous Chemicals During iPhone Production

Apple is banning the use of two potentially hazardous chemicals during the final assembly of iPhones and iPads as part of the iPhone-makers commitment to protect factory workers who build its devices.

The decision was announced on August 13 and comes five months after activist groups Green America and China Labor Watch launched a petition drive calling on Apple Inc. to stop using benzene and n-hexane in the production of iPhones, according to the Associated Press.

Apple says that they found no evidence that either of the chemicals was endangering the 500,000 people who work at the plants after a four-month investigation at 22 factories.

Nevertheless, the company decided that the substances should no longer be allowed during the final assembly process.

Benzene can cause leukemia and n-hexane can cause nerve damage, according to the Associated Press.

Back in 2010, Apple supplier Wintek revealed that it had treated workers exposed to n-hexane after 44 workers threatened to sue over the chemical, according to AppleInsider.com.

The use of potentially dangerous chemicals by Apple partner suppliers, specifically Foxconn's use of n-hexane, which gained attention when entertainer Mike Daisey fabricated claims about workers being exposed to substances in a critique of working conditions throughout Apple's supply chain.

It was reported that some 6 workers were hospitalized for months as a result of being poisoned by n-hexane, which they were supposedly forced to use because it dries faster and cleaner than other alternatives like alcohol. 

See Now: OnePlus 6: How Different Will It Be From OnePlus 5?

 PREVIOUS POST
NEXT POST 

EDITOR'S PICK    

Hyundai to Invest $16.1 Billion for EV Business; Sets Annual Sales Goal of 1.87M Electric Cars by 2030

World's Most Expensive and Most Heavily-optioned Porsche 928 GTS is Coming Home to the U.S.

Major Boost as Tesla Giga Berlin Facility in Final Phase of Approval Process; Delivery Event Set This Month

Audi Looking for e-tron Electric Vehicles to Spur Car Brand's Growth in India in 2022

Toyota Offers Free EV Charging to Owners of 2023 bZ4X After Partnership Agreement with EVgo

2022 Suzuki Baleno Finally Unveiled in India: What are the Specs and Features of this City Car?