Kaitlyn Cimino/Android Authority
TL;DR
- Popular smartwatch bands have been found to contain high levels of PFHXA, a harmful “forever chemical”.
- These bands can expose wearers to PFAS through skin contact, especially during exercise when sweating and open pores increase absorption.
- Experts recommend avoiding fluoroelastomer bands and choosing safer alternatives.
Smartwatch bands from popular brands have been found to contain high concentrations of forever toxic chemicals, also known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These synthetic chemicals do not break down easily in the environment and build up in our bodies over time, earning them the nickname forever chemicals.
PFAS are used in a variety of consumer products, including non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, carpet, mattresses, food wrappers, and more. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health problems, including increased risk of certain cancers, hormone disruption, weakened immune systems and developmental delays in children. These chemicals can leach into water, soil, and food, making them a growing public health concern around the world.
Shocking levels of toxic PFAS in smartwatch bands
A new study The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that smartwatch bands made from fluoroelastomers contained very high concentrations of a harmful chemical called perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHXA).
The researchers were able to easily remove the chemical from the surface of 22 watch bands analyzed across different brands and price points. This chemical can be absorbed into the skin through the watch band. The study found that most of the bands that contained the chemicals were advertised for “sports and fitness,” suggesting that users could exercise while wearing them,” meaning exposure to excess sweat and contact with the skin. “Open holes.”
University of Notre Dame physicist and lead author of the study, Graham F. Paisley said salon The magazine says researchers weren’t even looking for PFAS in watch bands until they saw a full-page ad about watch bands made of fluoroelastomer. Upon closer analysis, the researchers were surprised to find ever-higher amounts of the chemical PFHxA.
“It was unique in the sense that it was the first time we found only one PFAS, and it was in such high concentrations — much higher than what we typically find in consumer products,” Peasley said.
What is the solution?
several major smart watch And fitness tracker Manufacturers including Apple, Huawei, Samsung, and Google offer fluoroelastomer bands in the name of durability. Although the full extent of the potential health risks posed by the chemicals in these bands remains unclear, the study’s researchers have urged the scientific community to further investigate these materials.
In the meantime, experts advise users to switch to watch bands made of alternative materials that do not contain fluoroelastomers. Most brands selling watch bands made of fluoroelastomer mention this on their websites. This way, users can easily check the construction and materials of watch bands before purchasing them. The main issue is that fluoroelastomer bands are specifically designed for water and sweat resistance, making them essential for wearers who prioritize these features in a watch band. This may make avoiding them a challenge for some users.
