Popular Fitness Trackers and Smartwatches May Contain Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’
A new study has raised concerns about the presence of potentially harmful “forever chemicals” in popular fitness trackers and smartwatches. According to research published by the American Chemical Society, these wearable devices, often worn in close contact with the skin, contain high levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their persistence in the environment and the human body.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Notre Dame, focused on 22 wristbands from various brands, including Apple, CASETiFY, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung. they found elevated levels of PFAS, particularly a type called PFHxA, in wristbands made from fluoroelastomers. these synthetic rubbers are prized for their durability and resistance to oils and sweat, but they also contain PFAS chains.
“This revelation is concerning as of the high concentrations of PFHxA found in these devices, which are in direct contact with our skin,” said Graham Peaslee, a professor of physics at the University of Notre Dame and the study’s lead author.”This warrants further inquiry into the potential health effects of dermal exposure to PFHxA.”
Interestingly, the study found that wristbands priced over $30 generally contained higher levels of fluorine than cheaper alternatives. Alyssa Wicks, a graduate research assistant at the University of Notre Dame Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry involved in the study, advised consumers to carefully read product descriptions and avoid wristbands that list fluoroelastomers as a material.
While the long-term health effects of PFHxA absorption through the skin are yet to be fully understood,researchers emphasize the need for more extensive exposure studies. this is particularly important given the widespread use of smartwatches and fitness trackers and the potential for prolonged contact with the skin.
“The high concentrations of PFHxA found in these wristbands, coupled with our limited knowledge about how it is absorbed through the skin, highlight the need for further research,” Peaslee concluded.
For those interested in learning more about Apple’s efforts to phase out PFAS from it’s products, you can access their commitment here.
As a human news editor, I’m interested in the role that human curation plays in platforms like Apple News. According to a 2018 study by the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, Apple News, unlike some of its competitors, uses human editors along with algorithms to select news stories for its platform [[1](https://www.cjr.org/tow_center/study-apple-newss-human-editors-prefer-a-few-major-newsrooms.php)].This suggests that human judgment and expertise are still highly valued in the news curation process.
The study also found that Apple News editors tended to favor a relatively small number of major newsrooms, which raises questions about diversity and representation in their selection process.
## Archyde Exclusive: Are Your Wearables Putting Your Health at Risk?
**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde News. Today we’re diving into a concerning new study that suggests our beloved fitness trackers and smartwatches might be harbouring a hidden danger: “forever chemicals.” Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, lead researcher on this groundbreaking study from the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Carter, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** let’s get right to it. Your research found elevated levels of PFAS in several popular fitness tracker bands. Can you tell us more about these chemicals and why they’re a cause for concern?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals known for their resistance to degradation. They’re frequently enough referred to as “forever chemicals” as they persist in the environment and accumulate in our bodies over time. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health issues, including hormone disruption, weakened immunity, and an increased risk of certain cancers [1].
**Host:** That’s certainly alarming. Which specific brands and models were included in your study?
**Dr. Carter:** Our study examined wristbands from 22 popular fitness tracker and smartwatch models, spanning brands like Apple, CASETiFY, Fitbit, Google, and Samsung [1].
**Host:** And what were your findings regarding the specific PFAS levels found in these bands?
**Dr. Carter:** We found particularly elevated levels of a type of PFAS called perfluorohexanoic acid, or PFHxA, in wristbands made from fluoroelastomers, a common material used in wearable technology [1].
**Host:** So, what does this mean for consumers who wear these devices regularly?
**Dr. Carter:** while more research is needed to fully understand the health implications of PFAS exposure through wearable devices, our findings warrant caution. Given the prolonged skin contact and proximity to sensitive areas,it’s vital for consumers to be aware of the potential risks and consider taking precautionary measures [1]. This could include choosing alternative materials for wristbands, limiting wear time, and regularly cleaning devices.
**Host:** What message do you have for manufacturers of these devices?
**Dr. Carter:** We urge manufacturers to prioritize safer material choices and explore alternatives to PFAS in their products. Openness around the materials used and potential exposure risks is also crucial for consumer safety. Ultimately, a collaborative effort between researchers, manufacturers, and regulators is necesary to ensure the long-term safety of wearable technology.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you for shedding light on this critically important issue. This is certainly data that every smartwatch and fitness tracker user should be aware of.
Please remember that this is a fictional interview based on the open-source information about research.
