Alarming news: What new research reveals Some brands of fitness trackers and smartwatch bands contain “extremely high concentrations” of man-made chemicals that can be harmful to health.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame tested 22 wristbands at various price points. Many were made of fluoroelastomer, a synthetic rubber designed to repel. sweat, sebum, moisture.
Nine of the bands had elevated levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS). These compounds are known as “forever chemicals” and have been linked to many health problems, including an increased risk of certain cancers.
“The most striking thing we found in this study was the very high concentrations of just one PFAS, with some samples exceeding 1,000 ppb of PFHxA, which we is much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products,” he said. Graham Peasleystudy co-author and professor emeritus. Department of Physics and Astronomy.
PFAS have been found in products such as fast food containers, nonstick cookware, stain- and water-resistant fabrics, shampoos, cosmetics, paints, and adhesives.
Smartwatches and fitness trackers are extremely popular wearable technologies. in 2019 survey21% of American adults said they often wear them.
Peasley said this is the first study to address PFAS in fitness trackers and smartwatch bands.
These are called “eternal chemicals” because they are difficult to decompose in the environment and remain in soil and groundwater for long periods of time. An investigation conducted this week found they are prevalent in public water systems.
PFAS are linked to health problems These include decreased immune function, increased cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, liver damage, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of certain cancers, especially kidney and testicular cancer.
“To date, very little research has been published on the transdermal absorption of PFAS,” says lead study author Alyssa Wicks, a graduate student in Peasley's lab.
“1 article published [in 2024] “European research groups have found that several PFASs exhibit significant translocation through the skin,” Wicks continued. “The initial study looked at only about 20 of the 14,000 known PFAS. Further research is needed to better understand how PFAS cross the skin.”
Wicks' study detected elevated PFHxA levels in watch bands costing more than $15.
Exposure to high doses of PFHxA May have adverse effects on the liver, thyroid, red blood cell count, and developing fetus.
Three of the bands included in the analysis were considered expensive as they had a price of more than $30. All three contained fairly high amounts of fluoride.
All PFAS molecules contain fluorine atoms, so elevated fluorine levels are a strong indicator of PFAS contamination, the researchers said.
“Of the 22 bands we tested, 15 bands had a high percentage of total fluorine concentration, and nine bands contained PFHxA,” Wicks said. “Others used other unidentified surfactants that were not included in our targeted analyses.”
The results of this research have recently Environmental science and technology letter journal.
Peasley said the results warrant a more comprehensive study of PFAS in watch bands.
