Greenpeace says it is suing Apple Computer over hazardous chemicals and materials it claims are in the hyper-popular iPhone.

The environmental organisation says it conducted tests on 18 internal and external iPhone components and its scientists' findings included toxic brominated compounds in the phone's antenna.

Greenpeace said the tests indicate a mixture of toxic phthalates was found on the coating of the headphone cables.

The fact that the iPhone battery is glued and soldered into the handset, it claimed, hinders recycling efforts.

"It was disappointing to see the first release of the iPhone putting on the market a toxic product," Greenpeace spokesperson Zeina Alhajj said.

"We hope that the next release of the iPhone on a global level will bring us a greener iPhone."

Greenpeace said in a news release that recycling gadgets like the iPhone jeopardises both the environment, and the health of those charged with dismantling them to recycle.

It is yet to release details of its lawsuit.

Source