Your fitness watch could be exposing you to harmful ‘forever chemicals’
Your fitness watch could be exposing you to harmful ‘forever chemicals’
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Expensive wristbands more likely to contain higher levels of fluorine than cheaper ones, study finds. Smartwatches and fitness trackers may inadvertently expose wearers to harmful substances known as “forever chemicals”, according to a new study. Researchers found that wristbands made from more expensive materials, particularly fluorinated synthetic rubber, contain significant levels of a type of forever chemical that could be harmful for human health.
This chemical, called perfluorohexanoic acid, or PFHxA, is a type of substance known as PFAS, which are found in a range of household items and have been linked to health issues. PFAS are a group of chemicals prized for their water, sweat and oil-repellent properties, leading to their widespread use in consumer goods, from fitness wear to stain-resistant fabrics. However, their durability and resistance to breakdown in the environment have raised alarms over potential health risks.
“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,” said Graham Peaslee, University of Notre Dame professor and the lead author of the study.
The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters on Wednesday, examined 22 smartwatch and fitness tracker wristbands, analysing their fluorine content as an indicator of PFAS presence. Researchers found all 13 wristbands advertised as being made from fluoroelastomers, a synthetic rubber known for its durability, contain detectable levels of fluorine.
