According to a Greenpeace report entitled "Missed Call: The iPhone's Hazardous Chemicals," the iPhone contains several dangerous chemicals, including phthalates in the vinyl plastic earphone wiring at levels that are prohibited in young children's toys in San Francisco and in the European Union.

This is the third time that Greenpeace has tested an Apple product since 2006. Similar analyses of a MacBook Pro and an iPod Nano revealed the presence of phthalates and brominated flame retardants (BFRs).

However, the latest study marks Greenpeace's first test of an Apple product since CEO Steve Jobs made a public commitment in May to make a "Greener Apple." Apple specifically pledged to phase out all polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics and BFRs by the end of 2008.

Apple did not respond to requests seeking comment on the potential suit or the Greenpeace allegations.

Toxic to Reproduction

Greenpeace said it tested 18 components of the iPhone. In addition to showing PVC plastic with phthalates, tests found brominated compounds in half the samples. In their sampling report, the study's authors noted not only that brominated compounds can create dioxin when burned, but also that the compounds comprise 10 percent of the total weight of the iPhone's circuit board.

Greenpeace spokesperson Rick Hind said Apple missed a key opportunity when it rolled out the iPhone in June. "There is no reason why the iPhone could not have been made without toxins like vinyl plastics and brominated flame retardants as Nokia is already doing," he said.

The phthalates found in the iPhone headphone cords are classified in Europe as toxic to reproduction because of their long-recognized ability to interfere with sexual development. While they are not prohibited in mobile phones, these phthalates are banned from use in all toys or childcare articles sold in Europe, according to Dr. David Santillo, senior scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories.

Santillo coordinated the project and took the iPhone apart for analysis. His conclusion: "Apple should eliminate the use of these chemicals from its products range."

A Call to Action

In disassembling the iPhone for testing, Greenpeace discovered that the battery is glued and soldered to the handset, which Greenpeace says will make battery replacement difficult and will undermine recycling efforts related to the iPhone components.

"As Apple prepares to sell iPhones in Europe this November, it will have another chance to be a leader in putting a green iPhone on the global market just in time for the holidays," Hind challenged. "That would put the company on track to honor its pledge to phase out the use of these substances in all their products by 2008."

Michael Gartenberg, an analyst at Jupiter Research, said he was not surprised by the threat of a lawsuit. Apple already has been sued for patent infringement, pricing strategies, contract terms, and various other allegations in the wake of the iPhone launch. He said he doesn't think the Greenpeace report will keep consumers from buying an iPhone.

"When you are Apple, you are going to be a magnet. You are going to draw everyone who wants to bring a class action lawsuit for reasons ranging from complaints about the iPhone contract to Greenpeace studies," Gartenberg said. "Apple has had a very strong record on the environment with its product. Lawsuits like this will no doubt continue simply because of Apple's visibility in the marketplace."