Apple Watch PFAS Lawsuit Alleges Toxic Chemicals in Wrist Bands Could Increase Cancer Risks

Lawsuit indicates that despite promoting a healthier lifestyle for their users, Apple Watch bands contain toxic PFAS chemicals.

An Apple Watch class action lawsuit has been brought on behalf of owners of the popular smartwatch, alleging that the Apple watch bands contain toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to increase the risk of numerous adverse health effects.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Dominique Cavalier and Kiley Krzyzek in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California earlier this year, naming Apple Inc. as the sole defendant, due to the alleged presence of cancer-causing PFAS chemicals in the company’s smartwatch bands.

PFAS are a group of more than 9,000 synthetic chemicals commonly used for their resistance to grease, oil and water. However, these substances are known to persist in the environment and the human body for decades. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with numerous health issues, such as testicular and kidney cancers, ulcerative colitis and other harmful effects.

Many of the current health concerns regarding these chemicals arise from widespread water contamination across U.S. communities, which stem from the prolonged use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) by firefighters and the military to combat fuel-based fires. Over the years, these foams, which contain high levels of PFAS, were released into the environment during training drills and emergency responses. 

As a result, PFAS entered nearby water sources, especially around military installations, airports and firefighter training sites, leading to human exposure through contaminated drinking water and causing adverse health effects. Following these discoveries, thousands of PFAS water contamination lawsuits have been filed against the chemical manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemguard, Inc., Tyco Fire Products and other producers of PFAS chemicals.

Additionally, firefighters and other military personnel  have filed AFFF lawsuits, alleging that their routine exposure to these chemicals in the firefighting foam caused them to develop certain cancers and other serious health conditions.

In recent years, studies have not only linked PFAS exposure and consumption to an increased risk of side effects, but recent studies have also shown that PFAS can be absorbed directly into the human body through the skin.

Apple Watch Class Action Over PFAS Exposure

Building on this research, Cavalier and Krzyzek indicate in their complaint that a study published in the medical journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters showed that certain Apple Watch smartwatch wrist bands contain PFAS.

The plaintiffs allege that they were unaware the Apple Watch bands contained toxic chemicals at the time of purchase, stating they would not have bought the products had they known.

Furthermore, the plaintiffs highlight that Apple advertises its smartwatch as “the ultimate device for a healthy life,” a marketing strategy that has contributed to its status as the most popular smartwatch brand on the market.

However, the complaint indicates that many of those customers never would have purchased an Apple Watch if they had been informed of the potential health risks associated with the PFAS contained in the product’s bands, which research shows could potentially leach into the users skin, causing numerous adverse health effects, including various forms of cancer.

In addition, Cavalier and Krzyzek point out that since the manufacturer directs customers to wear the Apple Watch at all times, even while sleeping, this prolonged contact could lead to greater PFAS absorption for its customers.

The plaintiffs are raising allegations against Apple Inc. of violation of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law and Consumers Legal Remedies Act, as well as fraud, fraudulent inducement, fraudulent concealment or omission, fraudulent misrepresentation, negligent misrepresentation and unjust enrichment.  

They are seeking declaratory relief, injunction, damages, restitution and disgorgement, as well as punitive damages and penalties on behalf of themselves and others, with a special subclass for residents of California.