Smartwatches have become a daily essential for millions of people, helping to track fitness, monitor heart rate, and stay connected. But while these devices promise to improve health, the band wrapped around your wrist could silently harm it.

A recent study from Notre Dame University tested 22 smartwatch bands and found that 15 contained dangerously high levels of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances). PFAS, commonly known as forever chemicals, are widely recognized for their persistence in the environment and ability to accumulate in the human body. These toxic compounds are used in everything from non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing, and now, they’ve been found in smartwatch bands.^[1]

Most smartwatch users don’t realize that the materials used in their bands could expose them to harmful chemicals through direct skin contact. These exposures aren’t just one-time events. Wearing a smartwatch daily leads to chronic, low-dose PFAS absorption, increasing the body’s toxic load over time.

How PFAS in Smartwatch Bands Enter the Body

PFAS chemicals are particularly concerning because they don’t break down easily in the body or the environment. Unlike toxins that the liver or kidneys can quickly filter out, PFAS accumulate over time and have been found in the bloodstream of nearly every person tested.

When a smartwatch band containing PFAS sits on the wrist for hours daily, the chemicals can leach into the skin and be absorbed directly into the bloodstream. The wrist is an especially vulnerable area due to its thin skin and blood vessels close to the surface. This constant exposure leads to bioaccumulation, meaning that even small amounts absorbed daily build up over months and years.

Even more concerning is that the levels of PFAS found in smartwatch bands were significantly higher than those found in many other consumer products. Given how frequently these bands are worn, the cumulative exposure could be even more dangerous than occasional contact with other PFAS-containing items.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS have been extensively studied, and their harmful effects on human health are well documented. These chemicals have been linked to a range of serious health issues, including:

• Liver and kidney damage, as PFAS accumulates in these detox organs and impairs their ability to remove toxins from the body.^[3]
• Immune system suppression reduces the body’s ability to fight infections and increases susceptibility to illness.
• Endocrine disruption interferes with hormone balance and affects thyroid function, metabolism, and reproductive health.^[4]
• Increased risk of certain cancers, including kidney, liver, and testicular cancer, as identified in multiple studies.
• Developmental and birth defects, with pregnant women passing PFAS to their unborn children through the placenta.^[6]
• Higher cholesterol levels and metabolic disorders increase the risk of heart disease and obesity.^[5]

The real danger of PFAS exposure is not from one-time contact but from constant, low-level exposure over time. Given that smartwatches are worn for extended periods, these toxic compounds may silently contribute to long-term health issues.

The Truth About “Silicone” Smartwatch Bands

Many smartwatch users believe their bands are made from safe materials, often labeled as “silicone” or “silicone-like.” However, most of these bands are not actually pure silicone. Instead, they are made from fluoroelastomers, a synthetic rubber that contains PFAS and other chemical additives designed to enhance flexibility, heat resistance, and durability.^[2]

Fluoroelastomers are commonly used in industrial applications such as aerospace, automotive parts, and chemical-resistant coatings. While they may be great for extreme durability, they were never meant to be worn against human skin for extended periods.

If your smartwatch band is described as:

• Soft and flexible but marketed as highly durable
• Heat, oil, and chemical-resistant
• Silicone-like rather than explicitly labeled as 100 percent silicone

Then it is likely made from fluoroelastomers, meaning it could be exposing you to toxic substances every time you wear it.

Safer Alternatives to PFAS-Containing Smartwatch Bands

You don’t have to ditch your smartwatch altogether to avoid PFAS exposure. There are safer alternatives that allow you to keep your wearable technology while reducing contact with harmful chemicals.

• Stainless steel watch bands are one of the safest choices, as they contain no synthetic materials or toxic coatings. Mesh or solid-link stainless steel options are widely available and provide a stylish, non-toxic alternative.
• Leather watch bands, when sourced from vegetable-tanned leather rather than chemically treated leather, are a natural and safe alternative.
• Fabric or nylon watch bands, when untreated and free from waterproof coatings, can be a safer choice compared to fluoroelastomer or silicone-based bands.

How to Reduce PFAS Exposure from Smartwatch Bands

If you’re unsure whether your current smartwatch band contains PFAS, there are a few steps you can take to minimize exposure:

• Check the materials listed by the manufacturer. Look for options labeled stainless steel, untreated leather, or fabric rather than fluoroelastomer or synthetic rubber.
• Avoid bands that list fluoroelastomers as a primary material. These are known to contain PFAS and other synthetic additives.
• Be cautious of vague descriptions like “silicone-like” or “durable synthetic rubber.” If a band is not explicitly labeled as 100 percent silicone, assume it may contain toxic chemicals.
• If you currently wear a smartwatch with a fluoroelastomer band, consider swapping it out for a safer alternative as soon as possible, especially if you wear it for long periods.

The Bigger Picture: PFAS in Everyday Products

The presence of PFAS in smartwatch bands is just one example of how these forever chemicals have infiltrated modern consumer products. From waterproof clothing to food packaging and cookware, PFAS are used extensively because they provide resistance to stains, heat, and moisture. But the same properties that make PFAS so useful also make them dangerous—they do not break down easily and persist in the body and environment for decades.

Many regulatory agencies are now recognizing the dangers of PFAS and pushing for stricter regulations. Some states have even begun banning PFAS in certain consumer products, but progress has been slow. Until stronger protections are in place, it’s up to consumers to be vigilant and choose products that do not contain these harmful substances.

Final Thoughts

Smartwatches are designed to help people take control of their health, but the bands they come with may be silently undermining it. The discovery of high PFAS levels in smartwatch bands is a reminder that toxic chemicals can be hiding in the most unexpected places.

The good news is that safer alternatives exist. By switching to stainless steel, untreated leather, or fabric bands, you can significantly reduce your exposure to PFAS while continuing to enjoy the benefits of your smartwatch.

Being informed about the materials in the products you wear every day is one of the most powerful ways to protect your long-term health. Small changes, like swapping out a watch band, can make a big difference in reducing toxic exposure and safeguarding overall well-being.

The key to better health isn’t just tracking steps or monitoring heart rate—it’s making informed choices about the things you put on your body every single day.

References:

1. Sieff, Jessica. “Researchers Detect Elevated Levels of PFAS in Some Fitness Tracker and Smartwatch Bands.” Notre Dame News, 18 Dec. 2024, https://news.nd.edu/news/researchers-detect-elevated-levels-of-pfas-in-some-fitness-tracker-and-smartwatch-bands/.
2. Wacławik, Małgorzata, et al. “Silicone Wristbands in Exposure Assessment: Analytical Considerations and Comparison with Other Approaches.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 4, Feb. 2022, p. 1935.
3. Fenton, Suzanne E., et al. “Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substance Toxicity and Human Health Review: Current State of Knowledge and Strategies for Informing Future Research.” Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, vol. 40, no. 3, Mar.
4. Bline, Abigail P., et al. “Public Health Risks of PFAS-Related Immunotoxicity Are Real.” Current Environmental Health Reports, vol. 11, no. 2, 2024, pp. 118–27.
5. González-Alvarez, María Estefanía, et al. “Effects of Per- and Polyfluoroalkylated Substances on Female Reproduction.” Toxics, vol. 12, no. 7, June 2024, p. 455.
6. Starling, Anne P., et al. “Prenatal Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Infant Growth and Adiposity: The Healthy Start Study.” Environment International, vol. 131, Oct. 2019, p. 104983.