Smartwatch bands are one of the trending fashion accessories today however, these bands contain toxic and harmful chemicals, some of which have been found to be “forever chemicals”. These chemicals, or more scientifically known as PFAS, not only pose a threat to the environment, but also risk the health of individuals.
What are PFAS And Their Effects on People?
PFAS are synthetic compounds that serve many purposes for consumer products which include cookware, clothes, food packaging, etc, and some of its key properties include being water resistant, durable and non stick. However, despite the benefits it provides, exposure to these chemicals can be detrimental and is linked with the following health issues:
- Risk of developing cancer,
- Shifting in hormonal balance,
- Compromised immune system,
- Developmental setbacks in children,
More so concerning is the fact that these Chemicals have an ability to stay in the human body for years, which is why they are called “forever chemicals”.
Key Findings of the Study
Environmental Science and Technology Letters released a study that covers and investigates 22 different brands of different smartwatch bands. The study found that bands made from fluor elastomer have a substantial amount of perfluoro hexanoic acid, which is known to be a dangerous forever chemical and which has been continuously found in smartwatch bands.
Skin Absorption Risk: PFHxA exposure through bands during physical plugging activities is likely as it can leach and be absorbed through skin pores that are opened and sweat-soaked.
Sports and Fitness Focus: Sporty activities call for exposure in ways as many PWBs tested were labeled for “sports and fitness” target audiences – making exposure more probable when exercising.
The lead researcher Graham F. Peaslee, a physicist at the University of Notre Dame is surprised with the outcome. A team overheard the issue while looking at fluor elastomer bands, as they saw one ad which stood out. “We certainly did not harbor any suspicions that PFAS might be lurking, but alas, they were in disturbing concentrations,” Peaslee said.
What Can Users Do?
Major Smartwatch vendors like Huawei, Google, Samsung, and Apple thumbs up facts on the straps working because they are fluor elastomer bands which are virtually leak proof when exposed to water and sweat. But, since there are associated risks to the body, further tests on the materials are being insisted by experts.
Till then, one can make a shift towards smarter and safer examples with the following options:
Switching to Safer Materials: If you want to be safe, make a change to straps that are made from silicone, cloth, soft leather, instead of straps made from fluoropolymers.
Checking Product Labels: Other brands do inform the public the types of materials that were utilized in the manufacture of watch straps which in turn guides the consumers.
Achieving a perfect blend of protection without going overboard on strength; fluor elastomer bands indeed provide an excellent resistance against water and sweating, but there are measures and alternatives for more resilience in day-to-day use.
Battles Ahead
For users who want a water resistant and a sweat proof band, fluor elastomer bands are quite difficult to avoid. But on the flip side, the increasing knowledge regarding the risks associated with PFAS may lead manufacturers to pursue better and high-performing alternatives that are safe.
An Increasing Issue
As mentioned in this paper, this serious issue has some major problems with toxic chemicals used in several products and a very low level of awareness coupled with a severe lack of regulations. Meanwhile, researchers are working to understand the impact of PFAS over time so that smartwatch users can limit their exposure to PFAS while advocating for the future to use safe materials for wearable technology.
