Researchers from the University of Notre Dame have discovered high levels of PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in fitness tracker and smartwatch bands. The study points to potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure.
Fitness trackers and smartwatch bands, popular accessories for health enthusiasts, are now under scrutiny as researchers from the University of Notre Dame reveal concerning findings about their chemical makeup. The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, highlights the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in several bands, sparking health concerns.
Out of 22 watch bands tested, nine contained elevated levels of a specific PFAS known as perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). Significantly, these higher levels were most prevalent in bands that cost more than $15.
“The most remarkable thing we found in this study was the very high concentrations of just one PFAS — there were some samples above 1,000 parts per billion of PFHxA, which is much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products,” co-author Graham Peaslee, a professor emeritus in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, said in a news release.
PFAS have been integral to consumer products since the 1950s due to their resilience against water, heat and stains. Their persistence in the environment has earned them the nickname “forever chemicals,” as they do not decompose naturally, contaminating soil and water systems indefinitely.
Manufacturers often use these chemicals in products designed to be resistant to various elements, including fitness tracker and smartwatch bands, which were tested by Peaslee’s lab through sophisticated analysis techniques like particle-induced gamma-ray emission ion beam analysis and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
“Few studies so far have been published regarding the dermal absorption of PFAS,” added lead author Alyssa Wicks, a graduate student in Peaslee’s lab. “One article published earlier this year by a European research group found that a couple types of PFAS had significant transfer through the skin. That initial study only examined around 20 of the 14,000 known types of PFAS, and more studies are needed to better understand how PFAS travel through the skin.”
Given the widespread usage of fitness trackers and smartwatches, this discovery poses a significant concern. According to a 2019 Pew Research study, about 1 in 5 Americans use these devices, often wearing them for an average of 11 hours per day.
The potential health risks associated with PFAS are substantial, ranging from immunosuppression and hormonal imbalances to developmental issues in children and certain cancers.
The findings underscore the need for a more comprehensive study to assess the extent of PFAS exposure from wearable devices. With the study revealing that 15 out of 22 tested bands had high total fluorine concentrations, the call for broader research is more urgent than ever.
This groundbreaking study sheds light on a new facet of consumer product safety, urging both manufacturers and users to reconsider the materials used in everyday items. The University of Notre Dame team’s work highlights the complex challenges posed by PFAS and the critical need for ongoing research into safer, more sustainable alternatives.