The presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in many household products continues to worry scientists as they're discovered in more items used in our daily lives. A new study found PFAS—more widely known as "forever chemicals"—in a part of a common piece of wearable technology that everyone from athletes to grandparents often wear.
The study, published Dec. 18 in the Environmental Science & Technology Letters journal, found that more expensive wristbands used in smartwatches and fitness trackers that are made from fluorinated synthetic rubber were found to have high amounts of the forever chemical perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the compound is a byproduct of other PFAS that are used in things like stain-resistant fabrics, paper food packaging, and carpets. Dermal contact with PFHxA-containing products—such as wearing the smartwatch on your wrist—is just one way to be exposed to it.
"This discovery stands out because of the very high concentrations of one type of forever chemical found in items that are in prolonged contact with our skin," study co-author Graham Peaslee said in a statement.
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The team of scientists examined 22 smartwatch wristbands from different brands and sold at various prices. The ones that cost more than $30 contained more fluorine than those less than $15. The wristbands were then tested for 20 different PFAS, the most common one being PFHxA appearing in nine of the 22 samples. More concerning, the median PFHxA concentration was approximately 800 parts per billion with one exceeding 16,000 parts per billion. By contrast, the same researchers in a 2021 study found a median concentration of about 200 parts per billion of PFAS in cosmetics.
"We have never seen extractable concentrations in the part-per-million range (greater than 1000 parts per billion) for any wearable consumer product applied to the skin," Peaslee said.
Study lead author Alyssa Wicks says the team recommends buying less expensive wristbands made from silicone and to inspect anything pricier if you're interested. "If the consumer wishes to purchase a higher-priced band, we suggest that they read the product descriptions and avoid any that are listed as containing fluoroelastomers," she urged.
In this case, it might be better for you to go cheap at the store.
