Groups protest chemicals used in iPhone

An environmental protection group and labor rights group are trying to pressure Apple into abandoning two hazardous chemicals used to make iPhones.

Green America and China Labor Watch launched their campaign Wednesday to protect the health of factory workers assembling the devices in China. The groups unveiled an online petition protesting the use of benzene and n-hexane in the production of iPhones. Benzene is a carcinogen that can cause leukemia if not handled properly and n-hexane has been linked to nerve damage.

Apple Inc. says it has already removed a long list of toxic chemicals and ensures all remaining toxic substances comply with U.S. safety standards.

The protesting groups contend that it would cost Apple less than $1 per iPhone to come up with a safer manufacturing recipe.

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