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Apple Says iPhone Complies With Eco Standards

Apple responds to a Greenpeace report published Monday that says iPhone earphone wiring contains environmentally hazardous chemicals.

Jim Dalrymple, Macworld

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The iPhone meets the restrictions placed on hazardous substances, Apple said in the wake of a Greenpeace report published on Monday.

"Like all Apple products worldwide, iPhone complies with RoHS [Restriction of Hazardous Substances], the world's toughest restrictions on toxic substances in electronics," an Apple spokesperson, told Macworld. "As we have said, Apple will voluntarily eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs by the end of 2008."

Apple CEO Steve Jobs explained the company's position on the environment in an open letter earlier this year. In the letter Jobs said that Apple plans to completely eliminate the use of PVC and BFRs in its products by the end of 2008. He also outlined plans to eliminate or reduce the use of other chemicals including Arsenic and Mercury.

Despite Apple's commitment, the company came under fire on Monday for chemicals found in the iPhone. According to tests commissioned by Greenpeace, chemicals that included "phthalates" were found in the vinyl plastic earphone wiring at levels that are prohibited in young children's toys in San Francisco and the European Union (EU).

The tests also found brominated compounds in half the samples, which can create dioxin when burned, according to the study.

Based on the findings of the study, the Center for Environmental Health on Monday said that it has given Apple 60-days legal notice - a step required by California law before a lawsuit is launched.

The Center for Environmental Health is hoping to "encourage the manufacturers through a negotiated settlement to reduce the use of these chemicals."

Macworld
For more Macintosh computing news, visit Macworld. Story copyright © 2009 Mac Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

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