Numerous charging devices sold by Apple contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and other forms of reproductive harm.
These products retail for up to $150 and are designed to help Apple users charge multiple devices at once or power-up on the go.
But on Apple’s website, each one has a warning label listed at the bottom of the page that is required by California state regulators due to its hazardous materials.
Many of these warning labels alert consumers to the fact that these chargers can ‘expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A (BPA).’
Research has shown that BPA, a chemical commonly used to help harden plastics, is known to disrupt the body’s hormonal function.
This can cause fertility issues, disrupt sexual development, and lead to cancer and other health problems.
It is one of many chemicals restricted in the state of California by to Proposition 65, which passed in 1986 and requires companies to disclose the presence of hazardous chemicals in their products.
While most of the warning labels for these chargers specifically name BPA, some don’t state what hazardous chemical they contain, even though they raise the risk of ‘cancer and reproductive harm.’
Numerous charging devices sold by Apple contain chemicals that are known to cause cancer, birth defects and other forms of reproductive harm
Many of the offending devices contain BPA, a chemical commonly used to help harden plastics that known to disrupt the body’s hormonal function. This can cause fertility issues, disrupt sexual development, and lead to cancer and other health problems
These devices join the growing ranks of consumer goods tainted by BPA and other Prop. 65 listed chemicals, including everything from water bottles and trash bags, to tableware, carpeting and more.
The warning labels do not specify how much hazardous material is in a product, and ‘the lowest level that would trigger a warning wouldn’t necessarily affect most people,’ Ellen Wells, a public health professor at Purdue University, told HuffPost.
‘But if a person is especially susceptible to reproductive harms or birth defects or cancer, they might want to avoid that,’ she said.
Pregnant women, for example, may want to avoid products with a Prop. 65 warning label for birth defects.
People predisposed to cancer due to their family medical history, lifestyle or genetics may also want to forgo products with warning labels for cancer.
Studies using cultures of human skin cells have shown that as much as 16 to 20 percent of BPA shedded from a consumer product can be absorbed via contact with human skin.
‘BPA is potentially capable of causing adverse health effects following skin contact,’ according to an analysis by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
Therefore, handling one of these 10 charging devices could allow harmful chemicals to seep into your body.
1. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 5K – Year of the Snake
This MagSafe-compatible wireless charger comes with a label that reads: WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm
The BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Power Bank 5k, made by the consumer electronics company Belkin, retails for $59.95 in the Apple Store.
It provides ‘fast wireless charging’ up to 15 watts, offering 16 hours of extra battery life for your iPhone, according to the Apple website.
But it comes with an alarming alert. ‘WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm’ the Prop. 65 label reads. It’s not clear what hazardous chemical(s) this device contains.
2. 6. Belkin BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Charging Power Bank 10K + Cable
This handy charger comes with not one, but two separate Prop. 65 warning labels
The BoostCharge Pro Magnetic Charging Power Bank 10k and cable, also made by Belkin, costs $100.
Like the BoostCharge 5k, this pre-charged device provides up to 15 watts of fast wireless charging. But with the cable, it can also be used to charge AirPods or other USB-C-compatible devices.
But this handy charger contains chemicals including BPA and others that raise the risk of cancer and reproductive harms.
3. Nimble Podium 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
This charging podium may be marketed as eco-friendly, but the chemicals it contains aren’t so friendly to your health
The Nimble Podium 3-in-1 Wireless Charger retails for $139.95 on Apple’s site, and is marketed as ‘a versatile charging solution designed to power your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once.’
It delivers up to 15 watts of power and is made from 100 percent recycled plastic and aluminum, which Apple describes as ‘eco-minded.’
But the chemicals it contains can increase your risk of cancer and reproductive harm, the Prop. 65 label states.
4. Nimble Valet 3-in-1 Wireless Charger
This charging station offers plenty of space for all your devices at a hefty price of $150, but its materials could make you sick
This Nimble charging device is similar to their podium, but it’s slightly more high-end at a price of $150.
With its ‘spacious’ tray and plant-based-leather finishes, this ‘sleek,’ minimalist charging station delivers up to 15 watts of wireless charging and can power-up devices while they’re flat or upright.
But it contains BPA and other chemicals that can cause cancer and reproductive harms, according to its warning label.
5. Nimble Champ 10k Portable Charger
This eye-catching portable charger contains BPA, according to its warning label
The Champ 10k Portable Charger, also made by Nimble, packs 20 watts of power into a device ‘smaller than a deck of cards,’ according to Apple.
This $80 charger is equipped with two USB-C ports and can be used to power-up any two Apple devices on the go.
But according to it’s warning label, it contains BPA.
6. Nimble 3-in-1 Fold Wireless Charger
This charger can power-up your iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch all at once, but beware the hazardous chemicals it contains
Nimble designed this three-in-one charging station specifically for Apple users who want to power-up their iPhone, AirPods and Apple Watch at the same time.
When you’re done using it, it can be folded in half to a size only slightly bigger than your phone, making it easy to pack with you wherever you go.
It’s sold for $140 on Apple’s site, which also displays a warning label altering consumers to the fact that this charger contains BPA and other chemicals that can cause cancer and reproductive harm.
7. Nimble Watch Stand
The fifth Nimble charger on the list is made for Apple Watches and contains BPA and other hazardous chemicals
The fifth Nimble charger on the list is the Watch Stand, which costs $50 at the Apple Store.
Apple describes it as the ‘perfect companion for your apple watch’ and claims it ‘powers your watch with fast charging capabilities for a quick, efficient experience.’
Using it, however, could expose you to BPA and other chemicals that cause cancer and reproductive damage.
8. mophie powerstation pro
This mophie external battery pack can charge two devices at once, but it contains chemicals that cause cancer and reproductive damage
Mophie’s powerstation pro is essentially an external battery pack that delivers 45 watts of power to your Apple devices.
Equipped with two USB-C ports, this $130 charger can power two devices at once, adding an extra eight hours of life to MacBooks and 75 hours to iPhones.
But according to its warning label, it contains chemicals that can cause cancer and reproductive harm.
9. mophie powerstation mini
This cheaper, smaller version of the mophie powerstation comes with the same warning label as the full-sized version
Apple sells this miniature version of the mophie powerstation at a much more affordable price point of $40.
It is equipped to provides 20 watts of power to a single device, and Apple claims its can get them to 50% battery in just 30 minutes.
But just like the full-sized mophie powerstation, this charger contains hazardous chemicals that raise the risk of cancer and reproductive issues.
10. mophie Magnetic Wireless Charging Car Vent Mount (MagSafe compatible)
This magnetic charger can be mounted to your car’s air conditioner vent for convenience, but the chemicals inside it can cause cancer, birth defects and reproductive damage
This mophie charger can be mounted to your car’s air conditioner and delivers 15 watts of ‘fast magnetic wireless charging,’ according to Apple.
It costs $70 and ’tilts and swivels to give you the perfect viewing angle.’
But beware the hazardous chemicals it contains, including BPA and others that cause cancer and reproductive damage.
