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, particularly during exercise, when sweat and open pores amplify 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 do not accumulate 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, carpets, mattresses, food packaging, and more. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health problems, including increased risks of certain cancers, hormonal disruptions, weakened immune systems, and developmental delays in children. These chemicals can leach into water, soil and food, making them a growing public health problem globally.
Shocking levels of toxic PFAS in smart watch bands
A new study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that smart watch bands made from fluoroelastomers contain a very high concentration of an everlasting chemical known as perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA).
The researchers were able to easily extract the chemical from the surface of 22 watch straps analyzed for different brands and price points. This chemical can be absorbed into the skin through watch bands. The study found that most bracelets containing the chemical were advertised for “sport and fitness,” suggesting the user could exercise while wearing them, “meaning additional contact with sweating and open skin pores.
Graham F. Peaslee, a physicist at the University of Notre Dame and lead author of the study, said Living room magazine that researchers weren’t even looking for PFAS in watch straps until they saw a full-page ad about a fluoroelastomer watch strap. After further analysis, the researchers were surprised to discover high amounts of the everlasting chemical PFHxA.
“It was unique in the sense that it was the first time we found a single PFAS, and it was at such high concentrations, much higher than those typically found in consumer products.” , Peaslee said.
What is the solution?
Several major smartwatch and fitness tracker manufacturers, including Apple, Huawei, Samsung and Google, offer fluoroelastomer bands in the name of sustainability. Although the extent of potential health risks posed by the everlasting chemicals in these bands remains unclear, the study’s researchers urged the scientific community to further research these materials.
In the meantime, experts recommend users opt for watch straps made from alternative materials that do not contain fluoroelastomers. Most brands that sell fluoroelastomer watch straps mention this on their website. This way, users can easily check the brand and materials of the watch bands before purchasing them. The main issue is that fluoroelastomer bands are specifically designed to be water and sweat resistant, making them essential for wearers who prioritize these features in a watch band. This could make avoiding them difficult for some users.
