A new study reveals that a majority of smartwatch wristbands contain high levels of PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', raising concerns about potential health risks from skin exposure.
Scientists have issued health warnings after discovering high levels of potentially toxic ' forever chemicals ' in smartwatch wristbands. American researchers screened wristbands from a range of brands and price points and found that a staggering 68 percent contained perfluoroalkyl substances ( PFAS ).
Also nicknamed “Forever Chemicals”, PFAS do not occur in nature and are known to cause worrying health issues such as a lowered immune response to vaccination, impaired liver function and decreased birth weight. The chemicals are used to make rubber smartwatch straps because they are highly durable and repel water, sweat and oil. But now academics at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana have warned that the proximity of these toxic materials to our skin could pose serious health dangers. Professor Graham Peaslee, who co-authored the study, said: “This discovery stands out because of the very high concentrations of one type of forever chemical found in items that are in prolonged contact with our skin.” The revelation comes after researchers at the University of Birmingham discovered that PFAS can readily be absorbed through human skin to reach the bloodstream. Dr Oddný Ragnarsdóttir, who carried out the research, warned that 'uptake through the skin could be a significant source of exposure to these harmful chemicals'. Given these risks, the latest research also raised concerns about the lack of transparency surrounding the potentially dangerous composition of smartwatches. Of the 22 wristbands that experts analysed, 13 were openly advertised as containing the PFAS fluorine. A further two wristbands revealed signs of the same dangerous chemical, even though they did not acknowledge it on their packaging. Although “forever chemicals” were more common in expensive wristbands, all models exhibited far higher quantities of PFAS than other consumer product
Forever Chemicals PFAS Smartwatch Health Risks Transparency
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ taint rural California drinking water, far from known sourcesJuana Valle never imagined she'd be scared to drink water from her tap or eat fresh eggs and walnuts when she bought her 5-acre farm in San Juan Bautista, California, three years ago.
Read more »
Forever Chemicals Found in Smartwatch WristbandsA new study reveals high levels of potentially toxic 'forever chemicals' in smartwatch wristbands, raising concerns about skin exposure.
Read more »
Probiotics shown to mitigate effects of toxic fire-retardant chemicalsPolybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, are fire-retardant chemicals that are found everywhere -; upholstery, carpets, curtains, electronics, and even infant products.
Read more »
Bentham residents bring legal case over 'forever chemicals'The pollution in Bentham is believed to have been caused by firefighting foam maker Angus Fire.
Read more »
He was found bleeding and tied up near a canal, but he has now found love'He's made a remarkable transition from a difficult past to a life filled with love and joy'
Read more »
Man found guilty of murdering toddler found in Ipswich flatA seven-week trial concludes as the jury delivers its verdicts.
Read more »