Showing posts with label greenpeace. Show all posts
Showing posts with label greenpeace. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Greenpeace admits iPhone Euro compliance

In a not-so-shocking turn of events it appears that Greenpeace may have been a little over the top with their accusations. Greenpeace has now admitted that the iPhone meets Euro chemical rules. While the iPhone does contain the chemicals mentioned the European Reduction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) legislation only bans the toxins for products meant for children.

From the Article:
In short, while Greenpeace's point that Apple really should have shown some materials leadership with the iPhone is a valid one to make, why get stroppy when Apple has not exceeded the limits it has set itself or those imposed upon it by Europe's RoHS regulations? What about all the other phone makers out there?

We'd guess it's because Apple is an easy target, and Greenpeace knows iPhone related commentary gains press coverage. Perhaps that's why it's chosen to lay into the Apple handset rather than others. Greenpeace's write-up doesn't once compare and contrast the iPhone's use of hazardous substances with that of any other mobile phone from any other vendor.

It's worth noting that they may be in violation of California laws though.
Although the iPhone may meet ROHS standards, the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) is asserting the Apple has violated California law, which says that products that can expose consumers to phthaltes or other such chemicals must carry a warning label.

I'm not a big fan of Greenpeace in the first place. While I agree with their goals I do not agree with their methods. In some cases violent, and usually overly dramatic, I feel their actions put environmentalists like myself in a bad light. Making us look like tree hugging unrealistic hippies.

iPhone made with hazardous chemcials

According to a recent greenpeace report on the iPhone, it contains dangerous levels of bromine, chlorine and "phthalates," chemical compounds used to increase the flexibility of plastic. This, of course, is leading to another iPhone lawsuit filed by a nonprofit environmental law group.

From the Article:
The level of phthalate esters, a chemical linked to birth defects, in plastic coating of iPhone earphones wires is greater than that allowed in toys or childcare items sold in Europe, according to Greenpeace.

"If a pregnant woman is winding and unwinding that cord a number of times each day, like we all would, she is getting exposed to this chemical," center chief executive Michael Green told AFP.
...
The notice sent to Apple and the California state attorney general gives the nonprofit environmental law group legal standing to sue Apple in 60 days.

A lawsuit could compel Apple to put warnings on iPhone packaging but doesn't require the renowned maker of iPods and Macintosh computers to recall devices or alter the composition of models yet to be sold.