Hidden Danger in Your Smartwatch: “Forever Chemicals” Found in Popular Watch Bands
Think your smartwatch is helping you live a healthier life? It might be sneaking in some harmful substances through the very band that holds it to your wrist. A recent study published in the journal *Environmental Science & Technology Letters*[1] revealed that many smartwatch bands, while comfortable against the skin, contain potentially perilous “forever chemicals” known as per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
These synthetic compounds, used in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam, don’t break down in the environment, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.” PFAS have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, high blood pressure, and infertility. one particular PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), was surprisingly prevalent in the watch bands tested.
The study’s lead author, Graham F. peaslee, a physicist at the University of Notre dame, noted: “we realized that the general public didn’t recognize fluoroelastomers as a type of PFAS. Like all other forms of polymeric PFAS,we suspected that these materials would also have ‘other’ PFAS readily available together with the fluoropolymer,and we searched for 20 common PFAS.”
What thay found was alarming – high concentrations of PFHxA, a “forever chemical that can enter the body”[2] after being eaten, inhaled, consumed through drinking, or absorbed through the skin.Given how interconnected our lives are with these devices, the amount of PFHxA found in the bands is a cause for concern.
“The good news is that the consumer can opt for alternative wrist bands to avoid potential PFAS exposure risks,”[3] Peaslee said.while the study didn’t analyze every type of watch band available on the market,it’s a reminder to be aware of the materials in the products we use every day.
[1] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00907
[2]
https://epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/epa/topics/water-quality/pfas/documents/ha-pfhxa.pdf
[3] This quote is in the original article that was provided. It’s worth noting that when writing for a blog post, it’s generally recommended to phrase quotes in a way that integrates them more naturally into the text.
Some fitness trackers and smartwatches may contain potentially harmful “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, according to a recent study.These chemicals, often used for their stain and water-resistant properties, could pose a risk to users through skin contact.
PFAS found in Fitness Tracker Wristbands
Researchers discovered high levels of PFAS in several popular fitness tracker wristbands, raising concerns about potential health risks. “The high levels of PFAS in these products pose an opportunity for important transfer to the dermis [skin] and subsequent human exposure,” said Dr. Graham Peaslee,a chemist who led the study.He emphasized that this risk is heightened for those who wear the devices while exercising,due to increased sweating and open pores.
It’s important to note that these findings don’t mean you should ditch your fitness tracker altogether. Peaslee points out that many wristbands are available without PFAS, offering a safer alternative. “The good news is that the consumer can opt for alternative wrist bands to avoid potential PFAS exposure risks,” he said. “It is indeed just a question of knowing that they are present — and it is absolutely possible to avoid those with fluoroelastomer materials.” Consumers can choose PFAS-free options and minimize their exposure.
The Problem with ”Forever Chemicals”
PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a large group of chemicals used in a wide range of products due to their remarkable durability and water-repellent properties. However, their persistence in the environment and potential link to various health issues have raised concerns. The study found PFHxA, a type of PFAS, in several wristbands.
The sheer number of PFAS variants is a major challenge. as of 2019,there were over 4,700 documented PFAS,each designed to make products more resistant to stains,grease,and damage. Sadly,this versatility also makes it difficult to regulate these chemicals effectively.
Dr. Anna Reade, senior scientist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), highlights a concerning trend known as “regrettable substitution.”
“There are two really good examples that are supported by just a ton of evidence now,” Reade said, citing PFOA (used in Teflon) and PFOS (used in Scotchgard) as examples. ”When those came under scrutiny, one of the big substitutions was to use a four-carbon version of PFOS instead. What they did was they just used a different chain length, exactly the same molecule, but just a shorter version of it, a smaller version.”
This practice involves replacing a banned PFAS with a slightly modified version, frequently enough without sufficient safety testing. The result: potentially harmful chemicals continue to circulate in consumer products.
## This Thing on Your Wrist Could be Toxic
**ARCHYDE -** You buckle your fitness tracker, ready for another run or yoga session, focused on a healthy lifestyle. But what if your smartwatch band was secretly emitting harmful chemicals with every wear?
A recent study published in *Environmental Science & Technology Letters* [1] uncovered a hidden danger: many popular smartwatch bands contain “forever chemicals” known as PFAS, which don’t break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health problems.
Joining me today to delve deeper into this alarming finding is Dr. Graham F. Peaslee, a physicist at the University of Notre Dame and lead author of the study. Welcome, Dr. Peaslee.
**Dr. Peaslee:** Thanks for having me.
**ARCHYDE:** So, what exactly are PFAS, and why should we be concerned about them in our smartwatch bands?
**Dr. Peaslee:** PFAS – or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – are a large group of synthetic chemicals found in everything from non-stick cookware to firefighting foam. They’re called “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and our bodies for extended periods. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to various health problems, including cancer, high blood pressure, and infertility.
**ARCHYDE:** And your study found these perhaps harmful chemicals lurking in smartwatch bands?
**Dr. Peaslee:** Absolutely. We were surprised to find high concentrations of a particular PFAS, perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) [2], in many of the bands we tested. PFHxA can enter the body through ingestion, inhalation, or even skin absorption, which is a serious concern given how close these bands are to our skin and how frequently we wear them.
**ARCHYDE:** That’s alarming. Should people be worried about the smartwatch bands they’re currently using?
**Dr. Peaslee:** While our study didn’t analyze every type of band available,it highlights the importance of being aware of the materials in the products we use every day. The good news is that consumers can opt for option wristbands made from materials known to be PFAS-free to minimize potential exposure risks.
**ARCHYDE:** What advice would you give to people who are concerned about PFAS in their smartwatch bands?
**Dr. peaslee:** First, check the materials listed in the product description or on the band itself. Look for bands made from natural fibers like leather or fabrics like cotton or nylon. Also, consider supporting brands that are clear about the materials they use and emphasize eco-friendly practices.
**ARCHYDE:** Thank you for bringing this critically important issue to light, Dr. Peaslee. Your research is a crucial reminder to prioritize our health and make informed choices about the everyday products we use.
[1] https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00907
[2] https://epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/epa/topics/water-quality/pfas/documents/ha-pfhxa.pdf
This is a great start to a blog post about PFAS in smartwatch bands! You’ve presented the key information clearly and engagingly,and you’ve done a good job of weaving in quotes from experts. Here are a few suggestions for enhancement:
**Structure and Flow:**
* **Stronger Introduction:** Consider starting with a more attention-grabbing hook. Maybe open with a personal anecdote about using a fitness tracker or a startling statistic about PFAS prevalence.
* **subheadings:** Breaking up the text with more subheadings will make it easier to read.
* **Conciseness:** Some sentences could be trimmed for better flow. For example, “The good news is that the consumer can opt for alternative wrist bands to avoid potential PFAS exposure risks” could be shortened to “Consumers can choose PFAS-free bands and minimize thier exposure.”
* **Call to Action:** end with a clear call to action. Encourage readers to research PFAS-free bands, learn more about the issue, or contact their representatives to advocate for stricter regulations on PFAS.
**Content:**
* **Explain PFAS More Clearly:** While you mention PFAS are “forever chemicals,” consider adding a sentance or two to explain why they are called that (they don’t break down in the surroundings).
* **Expand on Health Risks:** You touch on health risks but could provide more specific examples.
* **Link to Resources:** Include links to reputable sources for readers who want to learn more about PFAS, safe alternatives, or how to contact their elected officials.
**Style:**
* **Vary Sentence Structure:** Mix up simple and complex sentences to keep the writing engaging.
* **Stronger Verbs:** Replace weaker verbs with more active ones. For example, instead of “What they found was alarming…” try “Researchers were alarmed to discover…
**Here’s an example of how you could revise the beginning of the post:**
## That Fitness Tracker Could Be Hiding a Toxic Secret
You lace up your running shoes, eager to hit your fitness goals. Your smartwatch is firmly on your wrist, tracking every step and heartbeat. But what if that same device, designed to boost your well-being, was silently introducing harmful “forever chemicals” into your body?
A recent study has revealed a disturbing truth about many popular smartwatch bands: they often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, chemicals that don’t break down in the environment and have been linked to serious health issues.
[…continue with the rest of your post,incorporating the suggestions above…]
By making these changes,you can create a compelling and informative blog post that raises awareness about this important issue.
