A recent study has uncovered alarming risks associated with fitness trackers. According to the University of Notre Dame, many wearable devices are made with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic chemicals linked to serious health concerns.
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
Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS accumulate in the body over time. Their effects include hormonal imbalances, reduced testosterone in men, and developmental issues in children. Experts warn that prolonged skin contact with these chemicals, common with wearable use, allows them to seep into the body.
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
Pricey fitness trackers may pose the greatest danger. Devices costing more than $15 had the highest PFAS concentrations, with some bands exceeding 1,000 parts per billion.
Parents buying these gadgets for their kids should also beware. Children’s bodies are especially vulnerable, and the extended wear of fitness trackers increases exposure.
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
Beyond health concerns, wearables collect detailed user data, often shared with third parties. This lack of transparency leaves users vulnerable to data misuse and cyber threats.
While marketed as essential health tools, fitness trackers may carry more risks than benefits.
