Last month, news surfaced of an iPhone 5 electrocuting a woman which resulted in her death. According to the reports, Ma Ailun, a flight attendant with China Southern Airlines, died after being electrocuted when she picked up her phone to answer a call just after getting out of the shower.  Some speculated that her wet hands might have caused her to be electrocuted, while others stated that the cause may have been the counterfeit charger plugged into her iPhone.

Though Ma Ailun’s family stated that she was using a genuine Apple charger, some claimed that it’s quite hard to determine if a charger is genuine or not, since the Chinese are masters in the art of making these counterfeits.

Now, in response to these concerns, Apple has launched a new program that would allow iPhone and iPad users to purchase a genuine Apple charger at a discounted price.

USB Power Adapter Takeback Program

Starting August 16, 2013, iPhone users can drop off their questionable chargers at an Apple Retail Store or at an Apple Authorized Service Provider.

Apple will make sure that any dodgy chargers will be disposed off properly, whilst allowing  customers to buy a genuine Apple charger for a discounted price of just $10, or the approximate equivalent in their local currency.  Aside from bringing the questionable charger, one should also bring their iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch to the store for serial number validation.  The special pricing on Apple USB power adapters is limited to one adapter for each iPhone, iPad, and iPod people own, and is valid until October 18, 2013.

In case you’re wondering if you can just have your old adapter checked checked for legitimacy, you can’t. “Due to the complexity of testing required to detect an unsafe or counterfeit adapter, Apple Retail and Apple Authorized Service Providers cannot advise you on the authenticity or safety of your adapter.  We are offering this special takeback program for any USB power adapter made for use with iPhone, iPad, and iPod for which you have concerns.”

Click here to check for participating Apple Retail Stores and Apple Authorized Service Providers located near you.

In other Apple news, once again the Cupertino company’s Chinese suppliers are being scrutinized. This time, the investigation is not for labor issues but for environmental concerns. According to reports, companies owned by Foxconn Technology Group and UniMicron Technology Corp., have dumped significant quantities of heavy metals into canals that flow into tributaries of the Yangtze and Huangpu rivers. The two companies have denied the allegations, stating that they have complied with environmental regulations.

Representatives of China’s Ministry of Environmental Protection pledged that the government agency would not hesitate to hand down sanctions if the factories were found to be in violation after a lengthy investigation.

“If you’re severely exceeding emissions standards, then we will punish you,” said Ding Yudong, a vice director at China’s environmental regulator.