Chemicals that Apple has banned from iPhones
August 2014, technology giant Apple announced it would ban the use of benzene and n-hexane from its creation of iPhones, iPads and other devices. Following petitions from activist groups Green America and China Labor Watch, and an investigation of 22 manufacturers that found no harmful levels of these two chemicals, Apple said that it would recommend to its suppliers that the two chemical compounds were longer to be used. The devices will be tested following production to ensure compliance.
The ban will affect Apple suppliers and manufacturers in China, Ireland, the U.S. and Brazil. Although benzene and n-hexane are used in similar devices from other companies, the criticism of its use was focused on Apple. As a researcher, chemist or curious iPhone user, you may be wondering why benzene and n-hexane were singled out in the chemical-rich manufacturing process. Here is some helpful background information on these two chemical compounds.
Benzene
Whether or not most Americans are aware, benzene is in a significant number of products and commodities in the U.S. The American Cancer Society explained that benzene is among the 20 most widely used chemicals, and is found in products ranging from plastics, rubbers and dyes to gasoline exhaust and cigarette smoke.
Firefighters, printers, lab technicians, steel workers and researchers are likely to be exposed to benzene, which can be harmful to those who deal with it regularly. This chemical compound is a known cause of cancer, the ACS noted, with particular ties to Leukaemia. Benzene causes cancer, Anaemia or other conditions by inhibiting normal function of human cells. Early symptoms of benzene poisoning or exposure include dizziness, headaches and confusion, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Colourless and liquid at normal temperatures, benzene is flammable and smells sweet. It is created through natural as well as man-made means, including from volcanoes or burning fuel. The process of burning of benzoic acid, C6H5CO2H, leads to benzene, C6H6.
People can also come into contact with benzene through gasoline fumes, exhaust from factories, or in contaminated food or drinking water. Benzene is an important and useful substance in modern chemistry, primarily for production of certain products. But, its negative effects on workers and communities underscore the importance of safe and correct use.
n-Hexane
Made from crude oil, n-hexane is similar to a solvent in its uses. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry at the CDC pointed to the extraction of vegetable oil from crops such as soy as a major use of n-hexane. This chemical compound, C6H14, is colourless and highly flammable, like benzene. However, it has a bad odour.
Used in gasoline, rubber cement, textiles, furniture, shoes and printing, n-hexane is a common chemical compound. Most people will have come into at least a small amount of n-hexane through breathing gasoline exhaust. Inhalation can easily lead to exposure for people who are working with the chemical, which highlights the importance of safe lab and manufacturing practices when working with volatile chemicals.
Unlike benzene, n-hexane is not known to lead to cancer, but prolonged exposure has been known to damage the nervous system.
Other Apple chemical changes
Although the elimination of these chemicals was likely tied to the petition filed by activists, this move has been one among many lately for Apple that reduce the use of potentially harmful chemicals. CNN reported that Apple has also made efforts toward safer chemical use by eliminating PVC from certain power cords, design displays that do not use mercury and products without brominated flame retardants.
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