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Apple bans use of two hazardous chemicals in iPhone, iPad assembly

14 August 2014 - 12:24 | Technological innovations
Apple bans use of two hazardous chemicals in iPhone, iPad assembly

The decision announced Wednesday comes five months after the activist groups China Labor Watch and Green America launched a petition drive calling on Apple to abandon the use of benzene and n-hexane in the production of iPhones.

Apple decided to order its suppliers to stop using benzene and n-hexane during the final assembly of iPhones, iPads, iPods, Mac computers and various accessories. What's more, Apple is requiring all its factories to test all substances to ensure that they don't contain benzene or n-hexane, even if the chemicals aren't listed in the ingredients. 

Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause leukemia if not handled properly and n-hexane has been linked to nerve damage. The substances are often found in solvents used to clean machinery and electronics.

 itar-tass.com