A recent study has found that smartwatch and fitness tracker bands may expose wearers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — chemicals linked to various health concerns, including cancer, kidney disease, and immune disorders.
PFAS are a class of approximately 15,000 compounds used to make products resistant to water, stains, and heat.
They are called “forever chemicals” due to their strong carbon-fluorine bonds, which make them resistant to degradation and accumulation in the environment.
The University of Notre Dame study, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, analyzed 22 wristbands from various brands and price points.
The researchers discovered that 15 bands were made from fluoroelastomers and contained fluorine, indicating the potential presence of PFAS.
The experts also found that wristbands that cost more than $30 typically contained higher levels of fluorine than those priced under $15.
The expensive wristbands contained high levels of fluorine, with concentrations of PFHxA exceeding 1,000 parts per billion (ppb), much higher than in most consumer products like non-stick cookware, food packaging, and fabrics. Some bands even exceeded 16,000 ppb, far surpassing the 200 ppb found in cosmetics.
Graham Peaslee, the co-author of the study, revealed that the research aims to create awareness about forever chemicals and their effects.
“We actually saw a full-page ad in a magazine that promoted ‘fluoroelastomer’ watch bands, and my research group was surprised to see anybody advertising PFAS in a product,” he said.
“We realized that many people probably didn’t recognize that fluoroelastomers are a type of PFAS.”
Peaslee further urged consumers to carefully read product descriptions and choose silicone wristbands instead.
“I don’t need someone to rush to throw away their Christmas gifts, but next time you buy one, move away from those with PFAS,” the researcher said.
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