A new study reveals that fitness trackers and smartwatches may pose significant health risks due to high levels of “forever chemicals.” Researchers at the University of Notre Dame discovered that wearable bands often contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental delays.
The study shows that expensive wearables have the highest PFAS levels, potentially exposing users to toxic chemicals through prolonged skin contact. While marketed as health tools, these devices could undermine well-being, particularly for men, as PFAS exposure can lower testosterone levels.
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
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
Children who use smartwatches are at even greater risk. These devices are increasingly popular among kids, but their smaller, developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposure. Studies suggest wearables could disrupt growth and puberty when worn for extended periods.
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
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
Privacy is another issue. Many trackers upload user data, including locations, to public platforms. This information can be exploited, as seen in cases where sensitive locations were inadvertently revealed.
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 must weigh the risks of wearables, both for health and privacy. It might be safer to keep these devices off your child’s wrist.
