Are smartwatch bands exposing you to harmful 'forever chemicals'?

While your smartwatch tracks your fitness goals, a new study suggests it might also expose you to harmful chemicals. Researchers have found that many popular smartwatch bands contain significant levels of PFHxA (perfluorohexanoic acid), a type of "forever chemical" that can be absorbed through the skin.

A recent study tested 22 watch bands from various brands and price ranges. It revealed that many bands marketed as containing "fluoroelastomers"—a synthetic rubber designed to resist sweat and oils—contained high levels of PFHxA. These chemicals, part of the larger PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) family, are known for their persistence in the environment and human body.

Graham Peaslee, the study's lead author, emphasized the risks of prolonged exposure, especially since millions of people wear these devices for hours daily. In fact, a 2020 study showed that participants wore their smartwatches for an average of 11.2 hours a day.

The study found that higher-priced bands (over $30) contained PFHxA levels exceeding 1,000 parts per billion (ppb), significantly higher than in most consumer products. Some bands even surpassed 16,000 ppb, far exceeding the 200 ppb typically found in cosmetics. In contrast, cheaper bands under $15 were free of these chemicals.