High Levels of Toxic PFAS in Smartwatch Bands Raise Health Concerns, Study Finds

Smartwatch Bands May Contain High Levels of Toxic PFAS As Per the Study...

Research indicates that 93% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood, highlighting widespread environmental and consumer exposure. (Representative Image: Pexels)

Published on:

30 Jan 2025, 5:00 am

According to a recent study from the University of Notre Dame, smartwatches and fitness tracker bands may pose significant health risks due to high levels of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals," found in common brands. PFAS were detected in 15 of the 22 tested brands, with some levels higher than those commonly found in food and clothing. These toxins are absorbed through the skin, raising concerns due to the bands' prolonged contact with users' wrists.

According to a recent study from the University of Notre Dame, smartwatches and fitness tracker bands may pose significant health risks due to high levels of PFAS (Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "permanent chemicals," found in common brands. Common brands were detected in 15 of the 22 tested, with some levels higher than those commonly found in food and clothing brands. These toxins are absorbed through the skin, raising concerns due to the band's prolonged contact with users' wrists.

Key Findings

The study examined 22 brands of smartwatch bands, finding PFAS in 15 of them at levels well above those found in most consumer products. Researchers discovered that some bands contained PFAS concentrations comparable to those in firefighting gear, a troubling finding. Silicone bands were identified as a safer alternative to synthetic rubber.

What is PFAS?

PFAS, a group of about 15,000 chemical compounds, are valued for their water-, stain-, and heat-resistant properties but have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, immune disorders, and birth defects. They are called "forever chemicals" because they do not break down naturally and can accumulate in the environment and the human body. Some of the compounds found, such as PFHxA and PFOA, are under increasing scrutiny for their harmful effects.

A 2021 study estimated that PFAS exposure costs the U.S. healthcare system between 5.5 billion and 63 billion annually due to associated health issues like cancer, thyroid disease, and low birth weight. (Representative Image: Pexels)

What Does the Study Say?

The study, led by researcher Graham Paisley, highlights concerns about prolonged skin contact with these bands, as they are worn tightly around the wrist for long periods. Although the rate of PFAS absorption through the skin is not clear, previous research has shown that these chemicals can penetrate the skin, especially when mixed with sweat, increasing absorption. ^[3]

Among the brands tested were Nike, Apple, Fitbit, and Google, although the study did not specify which brands contained PFAS. Some brands openly advertise the use of PFAS in their bands, often labeled as "fluoroelastomer bands," while others do not disclose their use. Bands containing PFAS were found to cost up to $50 more than those without.

A 2021 study in Toxicological Sciences found that PFAS exposure can activate hepatic stellate cells, which are responsible for fibrosis (scarring) in the liver. This process can progress to cirrhosis if left unchecked. (Representative Image: Pexels)

PFAS Linked to Liver Disease?

The study identified PFHxA, a PFAS compound linked to liver disease, as the most common chemical in 40% of the bands tested. PFHxA is commonly used in clothing, carpets, paper, and pesticides but has not been widely researched due to the difficulty of detecting it in human blood. The European Union has proposed banning PFHxA in consumer products, including watch bands. Researchers also detected PFOA, which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers unsafe at any level in drinking water.

Health Concerns and Recommendations

Long-term exposure to PFAS can result in higher absorption rates, especially during exercise when sweating. Researchers recommend choosing silicone-based bands to minimize exposure. They also caution against brands advertising "fluoroelastomer" bands, as these commonly contain PFAS.

While they do not urge people to throw away their current smartwatches, they stress the importance of making informed choices to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.

PFA linked to Liver disease?
The study identified PFHxA, a PFAS compound linked to liver disease, as the most common chemical in 40 percent of the bands tested. PFHxA is commonly used in clothing, carpets, paper, and pesticides, but has not been researched because of the difficulty of detecting it in human blood. The European Union has proposed banning PFHxA in consumer products, including watch bands. The researchers also detected PFOA, which is considered unsafe at any level in drinking water by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Health concerns and recommendations

Long-term exposure to PFAS can result in higher absorption rates, especially during exercise when sweating. The researchers recommend choosing silicone-based bands to minimize exposure. They also caution against brands advertising "fluoroelastomer" bands, which commonly use PFAS.
The researchers recommend choosing silicone bands as a safer alternative and advise consumers to avoid purchasing bands containing PFAS in the future. While he doesn't urge people to throw away their current smartwatches, he stresses the importance of making informed choices to reduce exposure to these harmful chemicals.

References:

The Guardian. “Smartwatch Bands Can Contain ‘Major’ Levels of Toxic PFAS, Study Finds.” The Guardian, January 16, 2025. Accessed January 28, 2025. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/jan/16/smartwatch-bands-pfas-study.
Norte Dame News. “Researchers Detect Elevated Levels of PFAS in Some Fitness Tracker and Smartwatch Bands.” Norte Dame News, January 2025. Accessed January 28, 2025. https://news.nd.edu/news/researchers-detect-elevated-levels-of-pfas-in-some-fitness-tracker-and-smartwatch-bands/.
Presence of Perfluorohexanoic Acid in Fluoroelastomer Watch Bands
Alyssa Wicks, Heather D. Whitehead, and Graham F. Peaslee. "Presence of Perfluorohexanoic Acid in Fluoroelastomer Watch Bands". Environmental Science & Technology Letters 2025 12 (1), 25-30DOI: 10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00907

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