The solution that Apple stores recommend is iKlear, a non-toxic liquid cleaner, which its manufacturer Meridrew Enterprises says Apple uses on its own production lines.

WSJ: Greasy Smudges Frustrate iPad Owners

The crisis began in August when 528 cubic metres (116, 000 gallons) of toxic liquid unloaded from a ship called the Proba Koala were dumped in 11 open-air sites in residential areas around the commercial capital, Abidjan.

ECONOMIST: A toxic-waste scandal shows up the country's fragility

For over a year, since August 2007, central bankers, principally Mr Bernanke, have been trying to make this toxic debt liquid.

ECONOMIST: America's bail-out plan