Apple faces potential environmental lawsuit

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 action is based on the report by environmental group Greenpeace released earlier Monday that found hazardous materials in Apple's iPhone.

The Greenpeace tests revealed chemicals that included "phthalates" in the vinyl plastic earphone wiring at levels that are prohibited in young children's toys in San Francisco and the European Union (EU).

Under California's Proposition 65 law, products that can expose consumers to phthaltes or other chemicals that are reproductive toxins or carcinogens must carry a warning label, according to the Center for Environmental Health.

"There is no reason to have these potentially hazardous chemicals in iPhones" said Michael Green, Executive Director of Center for Environmental Health. "We expect Apple to reformulate their products to make them safer from cradle to grave, so they don't pose a threat to consumers, workers or the environment."

Apple representatives were not immediately available for comment on the lawsuit or the Greenpeace report.

There was no clear indication what the Center for Environmental Health wanted from the lawsuit and representatives could not be reached for comment.

Macworld is an InfoWorld affiliate.

This article as originally posted incorrectly characterized the legal action by the Center for Environmental Health against Apple. It was amended on Oct.15, 2007.