Toxic “Forever Chemicals” Found in Smart Watch Bands, Study Reveals
A new study reveals that smart watch bands may contain harmful forever chemicals, raising health concerns for users.
Smart Watches, PFAS, Health Risks, Environmental Science, Consumer Products
South Bend: So, you know those smart watches everyone’s wearing? Turns out, the bands might be hiding something nasty. A recent study found that many of these bands are made from synthetic rubber, which can contain a harmful chemical called PFHxA. This stuff is part of a group known as forever chemicals, and it’s not something you want in your body.
PFHxA is a type of PFAS, which are chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment. They’ve been linked to some serious health issues like cancer and infertility. You might be surprised to learn that these chemicals are in all sorts of everyday items, from non-stick pans to pizza boxes. It’s a bit alarming, right?
The researchers didn’t even set out to find PFHxA in the watch bands. They were just looking at the materials and stumbled upon it. They found it in almost all the bands they tested, which is pretty shocking. The lead scientist, Graham Peaslee, mentioned that most people don’t even realize fluoroelastomers, the material used in these bands, are a type of PFAS.
What’s even more concerning is that these chemicals can enter your body through your skin, especially if you’re sweating while wearing the watch. The study didn’t test humans directly, but the potential for exposure is definitely there. And since many of these bands are marketed for sports and fitness, it raises even more red flags.
Peaslee pointed out that there are plenty of wrist bands out there that don’t use these harmful chemicals. It’s just a matter of knowing what to look for. So, if you’re in the market for a new band, it might be worth checking if it’s made from safer materials.
In the grand scheme of things, this is just one example of how forever chemicals can sneak into our lives. There are thousands of different PFAS out there, and they’re often swapped out for similar but still harmful alternatives when regulations tighten. It’s a tricky situation, and it’s something we all need to be aware of.