Computerworld - Apple today confirmed that explosions last year at Chinese plants of two of its parts suppliers were caused by excessive aluminum dust.
In its annual report on its suppliers' efforts in worker safety, labor rights and environmental impact, Apple said the explosions at facilities operated by Hon Hai Precision Industry -- better known by its trade name, Foxconn -- and Pegatron last year were traced to small airborne particles.
The Foxconn plant explosion in May 2011 in Chengdu, China, killed four and injured 18 others. A December explosion at a Shanghai factory run by RiTeng Computer Accessory, a subsidiary of Pegatron, injured 59, Apple said.
Other reports had put the injured tally at the latter explosion at 61.
According to the Apple report, both explosions involved combustible dust -- specifically, aluminum dust....
