Smartwatches and Fitness Devices Linked to PFAS Concerns

Recent research from the University of Notre Dame has identified fitness trackers and smartwatch bands as unexpected sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sparking concerns about their impact on health and the environment.

The study was published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, examining 22 watch bands from various brands and price ranges. The findings revealed that:

• PFHxA Detection: Nine out of the 22 bands contained elevated levels of perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), a type of PFAS.
• Price Correlation: Higher PFAS levels were predominantly found in watch bands costing over $15.
• Fluoroelastomers as a Source: Bands manufactured using fluoroelastomers, known for their resistance to sweat and oils, were significant contributors.

Professor Emeritus Graham Peaslee from Notre Dame’s Department of Physics and Astronomy emphasized the startling concentrations found in some bands: “Some samples contained over 1,000 parts per billion of PFHxA, much higher than typical PFAS levels in consumer products.”

Persistent “Forever Chemicals”

PFAS have been extensively used since the 1950s in consumer and industrial applications for their resistance to water, heat, and stains. However, their nearly indestructible chemical structure allows them to persist in the environment for decades, earning them the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Peaslee’s lab has previously detected PFAS in various products, including food wrappers, cosmetics, textiles, and firefighting gear. Wearable products, such as smartwatch bands, pose a unique risk due to prolonged skin contact.

Potential Health Risks

The study raises concerns about dermal absorption, with wearable devices creating multiple exposure pathways, including:

• Skin Contact: Long hours of wear may increase PFAS transfer through the skin.
• Environmental Contamination: Disposal of PFAS-containing products contributes to their accumulation in soil and water systems.

Lead author Alyssa Wicks noted the limited research on dermal absorption of PFAS: “A European study earlier this year highlighted significant skin transfer of some PFAS, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. More research is essential to fully understand the risks.”

Key Findings and Methodology

Researchers tested new and used watch bands using advanced techniques, including particle-induced gamma-ray emission (PIGE) and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).

PFAS detection in the study utilized advanced scientific techniques, providing a deeper understanding of these chemicals:

• Particle-Induced Gamma-Ray Emission (PIGE): This method measures the total fluorine content in materials. High fluorine levels are a strong indicator of PFAS presence.
• Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS): This precise method identifies specific PFAS compounds, including PFHxA, by separating and measuring their molecular signatures.
• Methodology Robustness: Multiple quality control measures ensured accuracy, including replicate testing and validation of detection limits.

Bands were categorized by price:

• Inexpensive (<$15): All five bands had minimal fluorine, measuring less than 1%.
• Midrange ($15-$30): Twelve 14 bands contained elevated fluorine levels.
• Expensive (>$30): All three bands tested showed significantly elevated PFHxA concentrations.

High fluorine levels, a marker of PFAS presence, were detected in 15 of the 22 bands, with nine specifically containing PFHxA.

What Consumers Can Do

While researchers emphasized the need for more comprehensive testing, consumers can take proactive steps:

1. Check Product Labels: Look for watch bands marketed as PFAS-free or made from natural materials like leather or fabric.
2. Testing at Home: While professional lab analysis is ideal, consumers can use fluorine detection kits available online to test for high levels of total fluorine, a marker for PFAS.
3. Advocate for Safer Alternatives: Support brands prioritizing transparency and innovation in PFAS-free materials.
4. Minimize Wear Time: Reduce prolonged skin contact by removing bands when not in use.

List of Devices Tested

The study included popular brands such as Apple, Samsung, Fitbit, and others. A complete list of the tested watch bands is not publicly available but highlights the need for scrutiny across all brands and price ranges. Consumers should be cautious and consider alternatives to fluoroelastomer bands.

Health Implications and Call for Action

PFAS exposure has been linked to severe health conditions, including immunosuppression, hormonal disruption, developmental delays, and increased cancer risks. With an estimated 1 in 5 Americans wearing smartwatches or fitness trackers for an average of 11 hours daily, further research is needed.

“This study is a wake-up call for more comprehensive testing and regulation,” Peaslee stated.

Co-author Heather Whitehead added that identifying alternative materials could help mitigate exposure risks while maintaining product functionality.