A recent study has detected elevated levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in various wristbands of popular smartwatches. These substances are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks.
Research published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters indicated that pricier wristbands made from fluorinated synthetic rubber, or fluoroelastomers, contain significant amounts of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a type of PFAS. In tests conducted on 22 wristbands, PFHxA was the most frequently detected compound, appearing in nine samples. The median concentration was nearly 800 parts per billion (ppb), with one sample exceeding 16,000 ppb.
A previous research by the same team found that cosmetics had an average PFAS concentration of just 200 ppb. However, there are still no federally defined exposure limits for the substance.
PFAS are often used in consumer products for their water, sweat, and oil-resistant properties. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), epidemiological evidence suggests the chemical may be linked to serious health risks, including kidney and testicular cancer, immune system suppression, hormonal disruption, and developmental problems in children.
A new study from the University of Birmingham also found that a significant percentage of these chemicals could pass through human skin under normal conditions.
“This discovery stands out because of the very high concentrations of one type of forever chemical found in items that are in prolonged contact with our skin,” Graham Peaslee, corresponding author of the study, said in a press release.
To minimize exposure, researchers recommend opting for wristbands made from alternative materials, such as silicone, which tend to have lower PFAS concentrations. Consumers are also advised to review product descriptions carefully and avoid bands listed as containing fluoroelastomers.
According to 2020 data from Pew Research Center, about one in five Americans use a smartwatch or fitness tracker. Demandsage noted that the trend has spread globally, with 14.4% of the world’s population using smart wristband devices.
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