Bad news folks, turns out Apple's "god device" contains reproductive toxins: phthalates, an EU-banned group of chemicals that can cause birth defects, was discovered in the vinyl plastic earphone wiring by a Greenpeace report. California environmental group The Center for Environmental Health has filed suit against Apple, which has yet to respond. And you thought "bricking" was the worst of your iPhone troubles.
via mercury news
My research shows that it has more effect on pregnant mothers and their developing unborn children than it does on grown adults. Yes, it can cause infertility but studies show that it only affects those who were affected in utero and signs of defections don't necessarily show until puberty. The most damage I found in adults was with allergens, and that this common plastic ingredient might be responsible for Americans increased susceptibility to allergens.
does that mean it's a hazard to wear the iPhone, or just that it's an environmental hazard when disposed of and manufactured? i.e., should I be running out and buying new earbuds?
Comments
Not to mention that on the cables the vinyl is basically inert, it's the manufacturing and disposal that's the real problem.