Brace yourself, tech enthusiasts! Your beloved smartwatch might be harboring a hidden secret. A recent study highlights a concern with smartwatch and fitness tracker bands, revealing they might contain more than just style and functionality.
This intriguing research, published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, sounds a cautionary note about potential exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), colloquially known as forever chemicals, through the wristbands of these wearable gadgets. The study found that pricier bands made from fluorinated synthetic rubber held significantly higher levels of a specific PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA).
Graham Peaslee, a co-author of the study and a professor at the University of Notre Dame, shared his surprise, “We actually saw a full-page ad in a magazine that promoted ‘fluoroelastomer’ watch bands, and my research group was surprised to see anybody advertising PFAS in a product. We realized that many people probably didn’t recognize that fluoroelastomers are a type of PFAS.”
For the study, Peaslee’s team examined 22 wristbands covering a broad spectrum of brands and price points, some of which were new, while others had been previously used. Their analysis revealed that all 13 wristbands marketed as containing fluoroelastomers indeed showed the presence of fluorine, hinting at PFAS. Interestingly, two out of nine bands that did not advertise this material still contained fluorine.
The researchers checked the bands for 20 different types of forever chemicals and found that PFHxA was the most prevalent, appearing in nine out of the 22 samples. The median concentration of PFHxA was around 800 parts per billion (ppb), with a maximum level observed at a staggering 16,000 ppb. For perspective, a prior study conducted by the same research group in 2021 found median PFAS levels in cosmetics at approximately 200 ppb.
Perfluorohexanoic acid, despite needing more research regarding its absorption through the skin, has been flagged due to its bioaccumulative nature, meaning it can persist in the body over time. Peaslee mentions, “One recent Swedish study reports it to be the third most abundant PFAS in our blood.”
Experts like Jamie Alan from Michigan State University note that PFHxA has been linked to various potential health concerns, including impacts on the liver, development, blood, and endocrine system. Nevertheless, discussions around its absorption remain open-ended. Toxicologist Kelly Johnson-Arbor weighs in, pointing out, “Since intact skin acts as an effective barrier to many toxins, it’s unlikely that people will absorb a significant amount of perfluorohexanoic acid — or other PFAS chemicals — through the skin.”
Dermatologist Ife Rodney echoes a similar sentiment, suggesting that even though these chemicals might contact the skin, absorption seems questionable without further evidence. However, Rodney also mentions the importance of being mindful of cumulative exposure, especially if bands get worn out or users seek a new style.
The research team acknowledges limitations, noting that their methods involved chemically extracting compounds to assess their potential presence, not how these substances would behave under typical daily use. Alan comments, “Although they found very high levels, that does not mean any significant amount is getting into our system.”
Peaslee suggests considering alternative wristband materials like those made from silicone, which don’t involve these chemicals. Meanwhile, Alan underlines there’s no immediate need for panic among smartwatch users; rather, it’s a matter of being informed about potential cumulative exposure.
While the study raises some eyebrows regarding PFAS levels in smartwatch and fitness tracker bands, it doesn’t spell an immediate crisis. Experts remain cautiously optimistic about the risks posed through skin contact, emphasizing that the true extent of exposure and impact remains to be fully explored. For those concerned, switching to a different material could provide peace of mind.
Source: Yahoo
