A coalition of Chinese environmental groups issued a 46-page report on Wednesday criticizing Apple for environmental degradation in China resulting from the manufacture of its products. The report alleges that 27 suspected Apple suppliers had severe pollution problems, from toxic gases to heavy metal sludge. In one case, the report said, a nearby village experienced a “phenomenal rise in cases of cancer.” Apple has faced these charges before. It generally comes down to accusations of Apple not being vigilant enough in policing and auditing the companies who create its component parts.
“Apple is committed to driving the highest standards of social responsibility throughout our supply base,” Apple spokeswoman Carolyn Wu told Reuters.
“We require that our suppliers provide safe working conditions, treat workers with dignity and respect, and use environmentally responsible manufacturing processes wherever Apple products are made,” she said.
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