The slew of lawsuits against Apple over its iPhone device doesn't seem to end. This time the Center for Environmental Health, an Oakland consumer watchdog group, is considering a lawsuit against Apple, after the release of a Greenpeace report that alleges the iPhone's plastic earphone wiring contains phthalates, which have been linked to birth defects.
While the chemicals are permitted in mobile phones, the group says the iPhone violates Proposition 65, which requires any product that exposes reproductive toxins or carcinogens to have a warning label. Otherwise the product must be taken off of store shelves. The Center for Environmental Health is hoping Apple will get rid of the offending chemicals rather than taint its brand with health warnings.
Apple has already stated that the levels of chemicals in its products adhere to government standards and that the company intends to eliminate the use of these toxic chemicals in its products by the end of 2008. The notice sent to Apple and the California Attorney General, however, gives the group legal standing to sue Apple in 60 days.