WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Green America announced today that it is pleased
with Apple’s August 13 announcement that it is taking first steps to
protect the workers who make their products from dangerous chemical
exposures. Apple announced that it is banning the use of benzene and
n-hexane in the final assembly of its products.
Green
America continues to urge Apple to go further to ensure the safety of
all workers in its supply chain. Beyond benzene and n-hexane, there are
thousands of chemicals used in the manufacturing of electronics—some
which are largely untested – and many chemicals used by Apple suppliers
remain undisclosed. Apple first needs to disclose all of the chemicals
used in the manufacturing processes of its products, not just those with
restrictions. Additionally, while Green America applauds Apple for
investigating all its final assembly plants in China, the nonprofit is
urging Apple to look deeper into its supply chain, to the second and
third tier suppliers, where chemical usage and safety procedures are
less controlled. Apple has 349 supplier facilities in China with an
estimated 1.5 million workers. Apple has investigated just 22 of these
facilities (6.3%) which employ a third of the workers who work on
Apple’s products. This sample does not represent a cross-section of all
of
Apple’s suppliers in China. Apple is still allowing benzene and
n-hexane, and many other potentially hazardous chemicals, to be used in
its second and third tier suppliers.
Elizabeth O'Connell,
campaigns director at Green America, said: "This announcement and the
preceding investigation shows that Apple listens to its customers.
However, Apple needs to go further to create a safe environment at all
factories in their supply chain for the health and safety of all 1.5
million workers."
Green America will continue to call for Apple
to identify and disclose all chemicals used in all supplier factories.
Chemicals deemed hazardous to human health must be replaced with safer
alternatives in all factories. In situations where the danger of a
chemical is unknown, Apple must require proper testing. Apple must
institute and enforce appropriate exposure monitoring, medical
monitoring, and effective training and management systems to ensure
worker health and safety, and ensure that any workers harmed in the
manufacture of its products receive appropriate medical care.
ABOUT GREEN AMERICA
Green
America is the nation’s leading green economy organization. Founded in
1982, Green America (formerly Co-op America) provides the economic
strategies, organizing power and practical tools for businesses,
investors, and individuals to solve today’s social and environmental
problems. http://www.greenamerica.org.
Technology news on Global TechWire, reporting the business of life
sciences and innovation. Published by Innovative Public Relations, Inc.,
a Research Triangle, North Carolina based publicity and branding
consultancy. David Menzies, President. www.innovativepublicrelations.com.
