How to Find a Watch Band That Is Free of Timeless Chemicals
A recent study found that some smartwatch bands contain perfluorohexanoic acid, one of the “forever chemicals” suspected of contributing to health problems. But these chemicals, also called PFAS, aren’t found in all watch bands, so here’s how to know what you’re buying.
What did the recent study show?
Before we dive into the specifics of buying watch bands, let’s put this into context. The study found that perfluorohexanoic acid and other PFAS were present in many of the watch bands tested. Researchers have not studied the health effects of people wearing watch bands.
They tested 22 watch bands of “a variety of brands and price points” and found that 15 contained more than 1% fluoride, suggesting they contained PFAS. This included all 13 tapes that were advertised as being made from fluoroelastomers – more on that in a minute, as that’s a term you’ll want to look out for when purchasing.
Researchers were able to extract a specific PFAS chemical, perfluorohexanoic acid, from several bands. Other studies have shown that this chemical can be absorbed through the skin, so it may be worth avoiding until we know more about its health effects.
How dangerous is PFAS in watch bands?
The short answer is: we don’t know. The EPA fact sheet on PFAS explains that exposure to “certain levels” of PFAS is associated with health problems such as decreased fertility, increased risk of cancer, developmental delays in children and decreased immune system response to vaccines, etc. d. a little.
But this is a brief overview of a broad area of research: some of the exposures studied involve very high levels of chemicals (for example, in people who work with large quantities of them). There are also many different chemicals in the PFAS family, and some may be more of a concern than others.
The Environmental Protection Agency writes, “Research is also being conducted to better understand the health effects associated with low levels of exposure to PFAS over long periods of time.” In short, we don’t yet know much about the health effects of PFAS in watch bands or other sources such as water and soil . But it may be worth avoiding groups with PFAS if you want to be careful.
Graham Peasley, who led the watchband study, notes that the chemical the study focused on, perfluorohexanoic acid, a type of PFAS, has not been well studied because until recently researchers did not realize it accumulated in the blood. (It can be found in whole blood, but not in the serum that is typically collected for these types of studies.) Hopefully there will be more research on health effects in the future.
Which watch straps contain PFAS?
Bands from Nike, Apple and Fitbit were tested, but the study did not name specific brands or products as testing positive. Peasley told me in an email, “We have not tested enough samples to be confident that any brand is completely PFAS-free or completely PFAS-free.” Therefore, trademarks cannot be relied upon.
You should pay attention to the material from which the watch strap should be made. Remember when I said all the fluoroelastomer strips in the study contained PFAS? Fluoroelastomer is a type of synthetic rubber that is supposed to be higher quality than silicone watch bands, so manufacturers often proudly claim that these bands are made from “fluoroelastomer” or “FKM” rubber. Peasley says, “If a watch band says fluoroelastomer or FKM, I’d avoid it, but if it says silicone, nylon or other fabric, leather or metal, then you’re PFAS-free.”
What is the difference between fluoroelastomer and silicone watch bands?
Silicone watch bands are PFAS free and are not intended to be. On the other hand, fluoroelastomer tapes are more likely to contain PFAS, according to this recent study.
Fluoroelastomers are used in higher-end watch bands because they are more resistant to damage from sweat, oils and chemicals. They have a less sticky and dusty texture than silicone. Many people prefer them, and they tend to be more expensive than silicone bands. Peasley says if you’re paying more than $30 for a rubber band, it’s likely a fluoroelastomer. (In the study, none of the sub-$15 groups tested positive for PFAS. This is where it pays to be cheap.)
Fluoroelastomer tapes are often advertised as being made from “FKM rubber”, for example the product description says “FKM rubber (not silicone)”.
What should you pay attention to when buying a smartwatch strap or fitness tracker?
Not all watch bands tell you what they are made of; some of the strips in the study were not advertised as fluoroelastomers but still contained fluorine.
Based on this study and Peasley’s advice, you have the best chance of avoiding PFAS in your watch band by paying attention to the following:
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Not marked “fluoroelastomer” or “FKM”.
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The label indicates that they are made from another specific material, such as silicone, nylon or leather.
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Inexpensive (under $30; ideally under $15).
I asked Peasley about the “banned substances” lists published by some manufacturers, such as those from Garmin and those from Apple . He said that since 2016, manufacturers have been trying to eliminate PFOA and PFOS (two types of PFAS) from their products. But there are many other PFAS beyond these, so the existence of these lists does not mean that the brand is safe.
Peasley hopes that with enough pressure from consumers, brands will begin marketing their products as PFAS-free. But for now, the rules of thumb above are the best way to find a watch band that is PFAS-free.