Apple on Mac Pro toxins

There is no evidence so far that Mac Pros are emitting dangerous chemicals, an Apple spokesman claims. Reports recently emerged from France of scientific testing, which suggested that Mac Pros were regularly emitting several toxic yet not immediately threatening kinds of fumes, including benzene, propanal and acetic acid. The major concern is said to be long-term exposure, as benzene, for example, is known to be a carcinogen.

The French newspaper Libération notes that only Pros built before 2008 are said to be affected, but Apple representative Bill Evans claims that the company has yet to find any evidence of its own to support third-party findings. "We have not found anything that supports this claim, but continue to investigate it for the customer," says Evans.

Apple has in recent years begun reacting to public pressure on environmental issues, for instance removing chemicals like mercury, PVC and brominated flame retardants from some of its electronics. Some toxins are known to remain however, particularly in its desktop computers.

by MacNN Staff