Apple refuses to use two harmful chemicals in the assembly of their devices – NEWSru.com

Apple banned the use of benzene and n-hexane in the manufacture of all its products, according to Slon.ru . This was stated by representatives of the company on Wednesday.

As reported by Associated Press , the decision to refuse the use of benzene and n-hexane was made five months after the emergence of non-governmental organization activists petition in the struggle for workers’ rights in China, as well as the Committee on Consumer Protection Green America, in which activists demanded to ban the use of hazardous substances in the production of smartphones iPhone.

The result of the petition has been undertaken by a four-month study on the Apple 22 production workshops, which resulted in 18 plants were found traces of dangerous chemicals, while the remaining 4 levels of harmful substances does not exceed the prescribed limits.

However, the company still decided to ban the use of two chemicals in the final assembly of smartphones, tablets, laptops and other devices. However, it should be noted that the prohibition does not apply to earlier stages of production, which involves a large number of companies and partner companies. Apple executives only recommended the managers of factories that assemble, test the raw material for benzene and n-hexane. “That’s all we can do to reduce the level of chemical exposure to employees and to show their care for the quality of the health of their workers,” – said vice-president of environmental initiatives Lisa Jackson.

A spokeswoman for the organization Green America Elizabeth O’Connell called the Apple initiative is good and right, and expressed the hope that the company will expand the list of banned hazardous substances.

Apple CEO Tim Cook also expressed his satisfaction with the company’s decision, noting that it is not just about protecting health workers, but also for the environment.

Application of benzene and n-hexane in the electronics industry is not exclusive to Apple, but also for many other companies that also have been criticized by activists. In addition, traces of these substances can cause cancer and harm the central nervous system, have been found in cigarettes, paints, detergents and adhesives.