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5 hours ago
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Smartwatch and fitness tracker bands can contain high levels of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” that are absorbed through the skin, presenting a potentially “major” exposure to the dangerous substance, new US research finds.
The University of Notre Dame study checked for PFAS, or markers of the chemicals, in 22 common brands. It detected them in 15, and at levels much higher than typically found in consumer goods and clothing.
Though the rate at which PFAS moves through the skin is unclear, research has found it is absorbed, and the findings are “concerning” because the bands are pressed against wrists for prolonged periods of time, said Graham Peaslee, a Notre Dame researcher and co-author of the study.
The levels detected in the bands were “much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products”, Peaslee added.
PFAS are a class of about 15,000 compounds typically used to make products that resist water, stains and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down and accumulate, and are linked to cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, immune disorders, birth defects and other serious health problems.
The chemicals are often added to consumer goods, like rain or hiking gear, as waterproofing agents, though Notre Dame researchers were startled to find some levels in watches as high as those in firefighting gear. Though natural rubber likely wouldn’t contain PFAS, the chemicals are likely in synthetic rubber to prevent sweat stains and dirt build-up over time, Peaslee said.
Though the study doesn’t note which brands tested positive for PFAS, it notes it tested watches from Nike, Apple, Fitbit and Google.
Some of the brands advertise that they use PFAS in the bands – the term “fluoroelastomer band” indicates their use. However, not all advertise the chemicals’ use. Those that include PFAS were as much as $50 more than those that did not, Peaslee said.
“It’s pretty clear that they are charging extra for all this beautiful PFAS,” he said.
Research from earlier this year found as much as 60% of some PFAS in a cream applied to a human skin model was absorbed, a high rate that surprised some researchers. The findings are especially concerning because many of the watches are marketed as “sport” and are designed for workouts. Previous studies have found sweat may increase the rate at which PFAS are absorbed.
The study checked for individual PFAS compounds and found the highest volume of PFHxA, a synthetic chemical that is part of the PFAS group, which is in 40% of bands. The chemical is commonly used on clothing, carpet, paper and insecticides, and is linked to liver disease. It is an under-researched compound in part because it is more difficult to detect in human blood than other types of PFAS, Peaslee said, which makes his findings even more concerning. The EU has proposed banning PFHxA in consumer products, such as watch bands.
Researchers also found PFOA, a compound that the EPA has found virtually no level of exposure in drinking water is safe.
Peaslee said watches with silicone bands are a safer alternative.
“I don’t need someone to rush to throw away their Christmas gifts, but next time you buy one, move away from those with PFAS,” Peaslee said.
