With the launch of the iPhone in the UK today, environmental lobby group Greenpeace has accused Apple of including hazardous substances in the manufacture of the new handset.

Scientific tests commissioned by Greenpeace studied 18 components and confirmed the presence of toxic compounds in half the samples. This included the phone’s antenna, where they made up 10 per cent of the total weight of the flexible circuit board.

Dr David Santillo, Senior Scientist at the Greenpeace Research Laboratories, co-ordinated the project and deconstructed the iPhone for analysis.

“Two of the phthalate plasticisers found at high levels in the headphone cable are classified as ‘toxic to reproduction, category 2’ because of their long-recognised ability to interfere with the sexual development in mammals,” Dr Santillo said.

While the use of phthalates is not prohibited in mobile phones, it is banned from use in all toys and childcare articles sold in Europe under the European Directive 2005/84/EC.

“Apple should eliminate the use of these chemicals from its product range,” Dr Santillo said.

Apple declined to comment at the time of writing.

The iPhone will retail for £269 and be exclusively connected to the 02 network.

See also: EW’s guide to RoHS and WEEE.