Apple bans two harmful chemicals use in final assembly processesAugust 14, 2014 - 10:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Apple has banned the use of two potentially harmful chemicals in its final assembly processes after its own inspection turned up these substances in four plants assembling Apple products, Re/code reports. The company disclosed its findings late Wednesday, at the conclusion of a four-month inspection of some 22 facilities responsible for assembling iPhones, iPads, iPods, Mac computers and accessories. “We’re committed to removing toxins from our products and processes,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s vice president of environmental initiatives. “Because everyone has the right to a safe product and a safe working environment.” Activist groups China Labor Watch and Green America launched a petition drive earlier this year, calling on Apple to abandon the use of benzene and n-hexane. These chemicals can also be found in substances including paint strippers, industrial cleaning products and household cleaners. Benzene is a known carcinogen, and n-hexane has been linked to nerve damage. Apple investigated 22 final-assembly factories that employ nearly 500,000 people and found no trace of benzene or n-hexane in 18 of the facilities. In four facilities, it found evidence of the chemicals that fell within Apple’s previous safety limits, according to Re/code. The company said it worked with the manufacturers to find safer alternatives and banned the use of the chemicals in the final assembly process. Apple will require its manufacturers to test all cleaning agents and degreasers before they’re used in production to make sure there are no hidden chemical risks. Apple also said it would assemble an advisory board to further minimize toxins in the company’s products and supply chain. Top stories Yerevan will host the 2024 edition of the World Congress On Information Technology (WCIT). Rustam Badasyan said due to the lack of such regulation, the state budget is deprived of VAT revenues. Krisp’s smart noise suppression tech silences ambient sounds and isolates your voice for calls. Gurgen Khachatryan claimed that the "illegalities have been taking place in 2020." Partner news Most popular in the section | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |