Today, an article published in one of the leading French newspaper (http://www.liberation.fr) might bring this story back to the front page while bringing embarrassing information for Apple.
A scientist from the CNRS (National Center for Science and Research) was affected by this strange smell coming from his Mac Pro. As Apple could not fix the problem, he contacted Greenpeace to get the vapors analyzed by an independent laboratory. Results are surprising and might place Apple in a difficult position, while potentially igniting a scandal. Indeed, vapors were identified as toxic, harmful and among the compounds identified, there were styrene, benzene and other derivatives. All those chemicals are known for being highly toxic, and the benzene has been forbidden and is use is strictly controlled due to its carcinogenous properties:
This material is a known carcinogen. The risks of using it in the laboratory must be fully assessed before work begins. TLV 10 ppm. Short-term exposure may cause a variety of effects, including nausea, vomiting, dizziness, narcosis, reduction in blood pressure, CNS depression. Skin contact may lead to dermatitis. Long-term exposure may lead to irreversible effects. Severe eye irritant. Skin and respiratory irritant.
Beside the irritating properties of those chemicals, some are suspected of contributing to leukemia for people being exposed for a long period of time. Of course, this analysis will have to be confirmed by another laboratory, and the detected amount to be controlled and compared with the TLV defined by the respective MSDS, but Apple can not remain silent and will have to identify how such chemicals could end up in a Mac Pro.
