Smartwatch bands may contain ‘large’ levels of toxic PFAS, study shows | american news

Smartwatches and fitness tracker bands can contain high levels of toxic PFAS chemicals forever, which are absorbed through the skin, posing a potentially “greater” exposure to the dangerous substance, new American research finds.

The University of Notre Dame study checked for PFAS, or markers of the chemicals, in 22 common brands. It detected them at 15 and at levels much higher than typically found in consumer goods and clothing.

Although the rate at which PFAS moves through the skin is unclear, research has found that it is absorbed, and the results are “concerning” because the bands are pressed against wrists for long periods of time, said Graham Peaslee, a Notre Dame researcher and co . -author of the study.

The levels detected in the tapes were “much higher than most PFASs we’ve seen in consumer products,” Peaslee added.

PFAS are a class of about 15,000 compounds that are 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, such as rain or hiking gear, as waterproofing agents, although Notre Dame researchers were alarmed to find some levels in watches as high as in firefighting equipment. Although natural rubber would likely not contain PFAS, the chemicals are likely in synthetic rubber to prevent sweat stains and dirt build-up over time, Peaslee said.

While the study does not note which brands tested positive for PFAS, it does note that 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 everyone advertises the use of the chemicals. Those that include PFAS were as much as $50 more than those that didn’t, Peaslee said.

“It’s pretty clear they’re charging extra for all this beautiful PFAS,” he said.

Research from earlier this year showed that 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 particularly concerning because many of the watches are marketed as “sport” and are designed for exercise. Previous studies have found that sweat can increase the rate at which PFAS is absorbed.

The study controlled for individual PFAS compounds and found the highest volume of PFHxA, a synthetic chemical that is part of the PFAS group, to be in 40% of the bands. The chemical is commonly used in clothing, carpets, paper and insecticides and is linked to liver disease. It’s an understudied compound, in part because it’s harder to detect in human blood than other types of PFAS, Peaslee said, making his findings even more troubling. The EU has proposed ban PFHxA in consumer products such as watch straps.

Researchers also found PFOA, a compound that the EPA has found virtually no exposure level in drinking water is safe.

Peaslee said watches with silicone bands are a safer alternative.

“I don’t need anyone rushing to throw out their Christmas presents, but the next time you buy one, move away from the ones with PFAS,” Peaslee said.