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Study finds harmful "forever chemicals" in wristbands

By avagrace // 2025-01-04

• A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters revealed that certain high-end wristbands contain alarmingly high levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a type of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
• Researchers tested 22 wristbands from various brands and found that the median concentration of PFHxA was nearly 800 parts per billion (ppb), with one sample exceeding 16,000 ppb. This is significantly higher than the 200 ppb median found in cosmetics in a previous study.
• PFAS are known to be extremely durable and persistent in the environment, but these same properties make them a significant public health threat. The study raises concerns about the potential for these chemicals to enter the human body through prolonged skin contact.
• With over 20 percent of Americans using smartwatches or fitness trackers, the risk of exposure to these chemicals is significant. The study highlights the urgent need for further research and regulatory action to address the issue.
• Consumers are advised to opt for lower-cost silicone wristbands or carefully read product descriptions to avoid fluoroelastomers. The discovery underscores the need for manufacturers to prioritize user safety and for consumers to support legislation that holds companies accountable for product safety.

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters has uncovered a potential health hazard associated with smartwatches and fitness trackers. The research, conducted by a team of scientists including University of Notre Dame PFAS expert Graham Peaslee, found that certain high-end wristbands used in these devices contain alarmingly high levels of forever chemicals, specifically perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). For those familiar with the growing concerns over PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), this news is particularly alarming. PFAS are known for their durability, which makes them ideal for manufacturing everything from stain-resistant fabrics to microwave popcorn bags. However, these same properties are what make PFAS a significant environmental and public health threat. Once released into the environment, PFAS persist virtually forever, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." (Related: Texas declares war on FOREVER CHEMICALS: AG Paxton sues 3M and DuPont for marketing toxic PFAS as safe.) The study focused on wristbands made from fluorinated synthetic rubber, commonly known as fluoroelastomers. These are often found in pricier, higher-quality wristbands, designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and intense workouts. While the initial intent was to create a product that would resist water, sweat and discoloration, the study reveals a startling downside: the potential for these chemicals to enter the human body through prolonged skin contact.

Are cheaper smartwatch wristbands safer?

The scientists tested 22 wristbands from various brands and price points, all of which contained some form of fluorine, a telltale sign of PFAS presence. But it was the concentration of PFHxA that raised red flags. The median concentration of PFHxA was nearly 800 parts per billion (ppb), with one sample exceeding a startling 16,000 ppb. To put this in perspective, a previous study by the same team found a median concentration of around 200 ppb of PFAS in cosmetics. This indicates that smartwatch and fitness tracker wristbands may expose users to significantly higher concentrations of these chemicals than other everyday products. The implications of this discovery are profound. With more than a fifth of Americans wearing a smartwatch or fitness tracker, often for extended periods, the risk of exposure to these chemicals is real and widespread. While the exact health impacts of PFHxA are still not fully understood, there is concern over its potential to pass through human skin during normal wear. Peaslee, the study's lead author, noted, "We have never seen extractable concentrations in the part-per-million range (>1000 ppb) for any wearable consumer product applied to the skin." This underscores the unprecedented nature of the findings and the urgent need for further research and regulatory action. Fitness tracker users say that the study suggests opting for lower-cost wristbands made from silicone. If you prefer a pricier band, it’s essential to read product descriptions carefully and avoid any that contain fluoroelastomers. Tech exercise buffs believe that it’s crucial that manufacturers prioritize user safety over profit, and that consumers remain vigilant about the products they use and the potential risks they pose. The discovery of these “forever chemicals” in wristbands is a call for consumers to demand safer alternatives and to support legislation that holds companies accountable for the products they produce. Visit Chemicals.news for similar stories. Watch a feature on the poisonous dangers of forever chemicals. This video is from the Daily videos channel on Brighteon.com.

More related:

FDA finally takes action on toxic Red Dye 3. Study: Pesticide exposure linked to obesity, endocrine disorders and other devastating health effects. Forever chemicals pose greater cancer risk to women than men, study finds. Forever chemicals: Study shows exposure to PFAS linked to post-diet weight gain. Forever chemicals found to be significantly more toxic than previously thought. Sources are:  SciTechDaily.com 8NewsNow.com Brighteon.com

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