Study Finds PFAS in Popular Smartwatch Bands

Recent research from the University of Notre Dame has revealed that many smartwatch and fitness tracker bands contain high levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), specifically perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), which are known as 'forever chemicals' due to their persistence in the environment and human body. The study tested 22 bands from various brands and found PFAS in 15 of them, with concentrations exceeding 16,000 parts per billion in some cases, significantly higher than levels found in other consumer products. Concerns are rising regarding the potential absorption of these chemicals through the skin, especially since users typically wear these devices for prolonged periods. Pricey bands, particularly those over $30, were found to have higher PFAS levels, raising questions about consumer safety versus premium pricing. Professor Graham Peaslee, a co-author of the study, emphasized the health risks associated with PFAS, linking them to serious conditions such as cancer and immune disorders. He urged consumers to be aware of these risks and to demand safer alternatives to fluoroelastomer materials in wearable technology.