Francesca Biagioli A recent study conducted by the University of Notre Dame has revealed significant levels of Pfas in smartwatch and fitness tracker straps made of a particular material. Among the worst are those of the most expensive and widespread brands
They are also commonly referred to in the US as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in environmental systems. PFAS, resistant to water, grease, and dirt, have wide applications in many industries and product lines, including the fabrication of wearable devices like smartwatches.
These ubiquitous devices have drawn a new study by University of Notre Dame Professor Graham Peaslee. His group looked at 22 bands from smartwatches, which were made from various materials, including fluoroelastomers, plastics, leathers, and metals to gauge the PFAS content.
What the researchers found
Not all materials were created equal in terms of exposure to PFAS. The most important results were those from fluoroelastomer bands. Of the 22 straps tested, nine were made of this material; all of those straps had traces of PFAS, specifically perfluorohexanoic acid, or PFHxA.
According to Professor Peaslee:
“In some of those samples, the concentrations of PFHxA exceeded 1,000 parts per billion, an order of magnitude higher than the levels commonly found in other consumer products.”
Compared with that, other alternative materials tested include silicone, which had very low or no detectable PFAS. This might indicate that these materials are safer for consumers.
Premium brands and higher risks
The study also found a price-related relationship with PFAS levels: straps priced above $30 were more likely to contain higher fluorine content, indicative of the presence of PFAS, compared to those below $15. This could mean that higher-end brands are more of a risk compared to their cheaper counterparts.
The brands studied
The research involved popular brands such as Apple, Nike, Fitbit-a Google-owned company-and Samsung. When the results were shared with these companies, their reactions were mixed. Samsung and Google said they needed more time to investigate the issue, while Apple declined to comment.
Need for further research
The study reveals a critical gap in our understanding: only a small fraction of the more than 14,000 known PFAS compounds were analyzed. This calls for further research to understand the presence and impact of these substances on consumer health.
Already, previous studies have shown that PFAS can be absorbed through the skin, which raises concerns about long-term exposure.
How to reduce your risk
Until more is known, here are steps consumers can take to reduce exposure to PFAS from smartwatch bands: Use fluoroelastomer-free bands. Use silicone bands. Limit the use of the device during sleep or periods of low activity. Knowledge would help users apply better protection from the lurking danger of these “forever chemicals.”
