Read this if you use a smartwatch or fitness band.
A new study has found that 15 brands of smartwatches contain high levels of “permanent chemicals” that can cause cancer and disrupt hormone balance. These smartwatches are very popular and are in great demand in the market especially due to their health monitoring features.
A study by researchers at the University of Notre Dame looked for “forever chemicals” in 22 brands and found that 15 of them contained these chemicals. “Many ‘smart’ and ‘fitness’ watch bands contain fluoroelastomers, a type of synthetic rubber designed to be resilient to skin oils and sweat,” the researchers wrote. It is advertised as such.”
“In this study, 22 watch bands across numerous brands and price ranges were analyzed for the presence of PFAS. First, particle-induced gamma emission spectroscopy on the surface of these bands was used to determine the total product content. Fluorine was screened and 15 of the 22 were tested for fluorine content, with a total fluoride concentration of 1%. of fluorine, suggesting widespread use of fluoroelastomers in this product category,” they added.
Which smartwatch brand has been using chemicals forever?
“The study does not say which brands tested positive for PFAS, but says it tested watches from Nike, Apple, Fitbit and Google,” the Guardian reported, citing the study. reported.
“In this study, we tested individual PFAS compounds and found that PFHxA, a synthetic chemical that is part of the PFAS group, was the most abundant, accounting for 40% of the bands. The chemical is commonly used in clothing, carpets, paper, pesticides, etc., and Peasley found that it is more commonly found in human blood than other types of PFAS. He said this is an understudied compound because it is difficult to detect, which makes his findings even more concerning, as the EU suggested the use of PFHxA in consumer products such as watch bands. “is prohibited,” the report added.
The results of this study were published in the journal Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety.
What is the eternal chemical?
“Forever chemicals” refers to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are called “forever” because of their highly persistent nature. They are not easily broken down in the environment and have been linked to harmful health conditions such as cancer, reduced fertility, and weakened immunity.
Forever Chemicals are commonly found in…
PFAS, or forever chemicals, are found in everyday items such as Teflon-coated pans, greaseproof paper, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, outdoor gear, carpets, upholstery, fire extinguishers, cosmetics such as foundation and mascara, This includes manufacturing of electronic equipment. medical equipment.
PFAS enter our bodies through contaminated water, especially near industrial sites, through consuming contaminated food, especially those packaged with PFAS materials, and through overuse of nonstick coatings or coated cookware. will be used.
Widespread use of PFAS has led to their presence in soil, water, air, and even human and animal blood around the world.
