A recent study uncovered the presence of perfluorohexanoic acid, a type of PFAS or “forever chemicals,” in certain smartwatch bands.

However, this does not apply to all watch bands, so it is crucial to know what to look for when making a purchase decision.

The study examined 22 watch bands of various brands and price ranges, revealing that 15 of them contained more than 1% fluorine, indicating the presence of PFAS. Notably, all 13 bands advertised as using fluoroelastomers were found to contain PFAS. Perfluorohexanoic acid, a specific PFAS chemical, was isolated from several bands, suggesting potential absorption through the skin.

The Unknown Dangers of PFAS in Watch Bands

The health risks associated with PFAS remain uncertain. While exposure to certain levels of these chemicals has been linked to various health issues such as fertility reduction, heightened cancer risk, developmental delays in children, and weakened immune responses, the full extent of these dangers is not yet fully understood.

The Environmental Protection Agency emphasizes the need for further research into the long-term health effects of PFAS exposure, especially at low levels. Given this uncertainty, avoiding PFAS-containing bands may be a prudent choice until more information becomes available.

Identifying PFAS-Free Watch Bands

Though brands like Nike, Apple, and Fitbit were part of the study, no specific products were singled out for containing PFAS. Rather than focusing on brand names, consumers should consider the materials used in the bands. Fluoroelastomer bands should be approached cautiously, as they exhibited PFAS presence in the study, unlike silicone bands.

Silicone watch bands are a safer alternative to fluoroelastomer, as they are not known to contain PFAS. Manufacturers often tout fluoroelastomer bands as upscale due to their resistance to wear and tear from substances like sweat and oils. Watch band descriptions mentioning fluoroelastomer or FKM rubber should raise red flags, while materials such as silicone, nylon, leather, or metal are likely PFAS-free.

Tips for Buying PFAS-Free Bands

When shopping for watch bands, consumers should heed the following guidelines to minimize the risk of exposure to PFAS:

- Avoid bands labeled as fluoroelastomer or FKM

- Opt for bands crafted from materials like silicone, nylon, or leather

- Consider lower-priced options (under $30, ideally under $15) to lower PFAS likelihood

While some manufacturers have removed specific PFAS types from their products, numerous others remain in use, underscoring the importance of verifying a band's composition. Pressuring brands to promote PFAS-free products may lead to greater transparency in the future, but presently, adhering to the outlined principles maximizes the chances of acquiring a PFAS-free watch band.

Expert warns of PFAS in sports watch bands, urges manufacturers to find alternatives

Video By ABC 7 News - WJLA