Smartwatch and fitness tracker bands may contain high levels of toxic PFAS ‘permanent chemicals’ that can be absorbed through the skin, leading to ‘significant’ exposure to dangerous substances. That’s what a new American study has found.
The University of Notre Dame study tested 22 common brands for PFAS, or chemical markers. They were detected in 15 different products, at levels far higher than those typically found in consumer goods and clothing.
Although it’s unclear how quickly PFAS crosses the skin, studies have found that PFAS can be absorbed, and the findings are “concerning” because the band is pressed against the wrist for an extended period of time, says the University of Notre Dame study. said Graham Peasley, researcher and co-researcher. -Study author.
The levels detected within the band were “much higher than most PFAS found in consumer products,” Peaslee added.
PFAS are about 15,000 compounds commonly used to make products that are resistant to water, dirt, and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down and accumulate naturally and have been linked to cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, immune disorders, birth defects, and other serious health problems. It is called.
These chemicals are often added to consumer products such as rain gear and hiking equipment as waterproofing agents, but Notre Dame researchers found that watches contain concentrations similar to those found in firefighting gear. I was surprised to discover that there was. Natural rubber likely doesn’t contain PFAS, but synthetic rubber likely contains chemicals to prevent sweat stains and dirt from building up over time, Peaslee said.
The study did not say which brands tested positive for PFAS, but it did note that it tested watches from Nike, Apple, Fitbit, and Google.
Some brands advertise that their bands contain PFAS. The term “fluoroelastomer band” refers to its use. However, not all promote the use of chemicals. Those containing PFAS were $50 more expensive than those without, Peaslee said.
“It’s clear they’re charging extra for all of these wonderful PFAS,” he says.
A study earlier this year found that 60% of some PFAS in creams applied to human skin models were absorbed, a high rate that surprised some researchers. The findings are particularly worrying because many watches are marketed as “sport” and are designed for training purposes. Previous research has found that sweat can increase the rate of absorption of PFAS.
The study checked individual PFAS compounds and found that PFHxA, a synthetic chemical that is part of the PFAS group, had the highest amount in 40% of the bands. The chemical is commonly used in clothing, carpets, paper and pesticides, and has been linked to liver disease. Peaslee said the compound is an understudied compound because it is harder to detect in human blood than other types of PFAS, which makes his findings even more alarming. He said that The EU has proposed a ban on PFHxA in consumer products such as watch bands.
Researchers also found PFOA, a compound that the EPA has determined has virtually unsafe exposure levels in drinking water.
Peasley said watches with silicone bands are a safer alternative.
“We don’t need people rushing to throw away Christmas presents, but next time you buy, stay away from someone with PFAS,” Peaslee says.
