14/05/2025
Your Smartwatch Band Could Be Leaching Toxic Chemicals into Your Body, Study Finds
A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters has raised concerns about toxic exposure from smartwatch and fitness tracker wristbands. Researchers discovered that many of these bands, particularly those made from fluoroelastomers (a type of synthetic rubber), contain high levels of perfluorohexanoic acid — a member of the PFAS chemical family, also known as “forever chemicals.”
PFAS are industrial compounds valued for their durability and resistance to water and heat, but they are notoriously persistent in the environment and the human body. They’ve been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, infertility, and high blood pressure.
Among the 22 wristbands tested, perfluorohexanoic acid was the most commonly detected substance. Because fluoroelastomers are themselves a type of PFAS, they may carry significant levels of this chemical.
This is especially concerning for people who wear these bands during workouts. Sweat, heat, and increased blood flow can enhance the skin’s absorption of these substances, potentially increasing the health risks over time.
To reduce exposure, experts recommend choosing wristbands made from alternative materials like silicone, fabric, or leather.
