Millions of Americans rely on fitness trackers, but a new study reveals that these devices may pose serious health risks. Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in many wearable bands.
GOT A SMART WATCH? Check your watch band. Experts reveal some sports watch bands contain PFAs chemicals tied to everything from cancer and infertility to autoimmune disease.https://t.co/eva8acH9DG
— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) December 19, 2024
Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS accumulate in the body and environment over time. They have been linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, weakened immunity, and certain cancers. Prolonged contact with PFAS-laden bands allows these chemicals to seep into the skin, creating a pathway into the body.
Are You Wearing Your Health Tracker… or a Chemical Cocktail?
We’ve all jumped on the fitness bandwagon, tracking steps, monitoring heart rates, and logging sleep—all thanks to those sleek, colorful smartwatches.
But a recent study has revealed a shocking side effect of our… pic.twitter.com/OEQmeyByXG
— Tech Demystified ♨ ✍ (@bigfundu) December 29, 2024
Expensive wearables often contain the highest concentrations of PFAS. Some high-end bands were found to exceed 1,000 parts per billion, far surpassing the limits considered safe in other contexts like drinking water.
Smart Watch Wristbands: To date, there are no federal regulatory limits that dictate safety levels for PFAS exposure through the skin. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency only has set exposure thresholds for drinking water — and for six types of PFAS alone.
— Paul Fisher (@PaulFis92271322) December 19, 2024
Children using smartwatches are particularly vulnerable to these risks. Their developing bodies are more susceptible to chemical exposure, and extended wear increases the likelihood of absorption.
A recent study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found many smartwatch and fitness watch bands made from fluoroelastomers contain harmful “forever chemicals,” particularly perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFHxA, part of the PFAS family, resists breakdown, accumulates… pic.twitter.com/NVP1tGeFVD
— Faust (@faustofm) December 26, 2024
Beyond health concerns, fitness trackers also raise privacy questions. These devices collect and share personal information, such as location and activity data, often with little transparency. Past cases have shown how such data can be exploited.
Those smooth fluoroelastomer apple watch bands also leak pfas into your body. So tiresome https://t.co/hIKbV77ySQ
— Meta Boli (@meta_boli) December 25, 2024
Parents and users may want to reconsider the potential dangers of these devices before allowing children to wear them daily.
