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New research finds that your smartwatch band is laced with toxic forever chemicals
- A new research published in the ACS’ Environmental Science & Technology Letters highlights the presence of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) in fluoroelastomer bands offered by various top brands.
- The bands tested as part of the chemical analysis include those offered by big names like Google, Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, and CASETiFY.
- The research paper raises concern about “the very high concentration of PFHxA that can be readily extracted from the surfaces of watch bands made from fluoroelastomers.
- A staggering 50% of PFHxA exposure is absorbed through the skin, and over a third enters the bloodstream. This could pose serious health risks.
- PFHxAs fall in a particularly dangerous class of chemicals known as forever chemicals, and have gained the infamous name because they persist and avoid the regular cycle of environmental breakdown.
- Their detrimental impact is yet to be explored fully, and they have been linked to a wide range of health issues, including cancer.
- Interestingly, the more expensive bands exhibited a stronger presence of harmful chemicals than the cheaper ones.
- Alyssa Wicks, co-author of the research paper, recommends that customers should focus on lower-priced bands for their smartwatches and fitness bands if they seek to avoid PFHxA exposure.
- She suggests that the next time you go shopping for straps and bands, look for the word fluoroelastomer and avoid them, if possible.
- In conclusion, the study raises a serious concern regarding the toxic chemicals present in the smartwatch bands and warns people to be cautious while purchasing these wristbands.
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