These are the carcinogen benzene and n-hexane, an acyclic hydrocarbon including exists in petrol and who has been linked to nerve damage. The two substances are prohibited now in a total of 22 factories where Apple products are assembled, but the substances still occur earlier in the production line.
The topics are primarily used to clean machinery and electronics and is in no way unique to Apple’s factories. Apple now puts an end to the use during the final phase of the product line can put pressure on other major technology companies to do the same.
– We think it is very important that we show leadership and really looking ahead to the future by using more environmentally friendly chemicals, said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s responsible for environmental initiatives to AP.
The decision to ban elements came after an activist group China Labor Watch and Green America demanded that the company should do right that. In connection with the groups’ requirements, Apple launched an investigation that lasted for four months, where all 22 plants that are currently affected by the ban reviewed. Although the company did not find any evidence that these substances could damage any of the approximately 500 000 workers in the factories are now being taken measures. The ban is welcomed by Green America.
– It is good first step. I hope that Apple will remove the most hazardous chemicals and to find ways to reduce exposure, said Elizabeth O’Conell, Green America’s campaign manager.
Apple has repeatedly been heavily criticized for working conditions in the factories that manufacture the company’s gadgets. Previously it has been reported that the worker has committed suicide in the subcontractor Foxconn’s factories in China. There have also been reports of child labor.
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