Smartwatches are marketed as health-conscious technology, helping users track everything from heart rate to daily movement. But new lawsuits raise questions about whether some smartwatch bands are doing more harm than good.
Apple and Samsung are both facing class-action lawsuits over the presence of PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances)—highly toxic, hormone-disrupting chemicals—in certain smartwatch bands. These compounds, also known as forever chemicals, are linked to cancer, immune suppression, reproductive harm, and metabolic disorders.
If you wear a smartwatch daily, you could unknowingly expose yourself to PFAS, allowing these chemicals to absorb through your skin over time.
What Are PFAS, and Why Should You Care?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used in products that need to be water-resistant, stain-resistant, or heat-resistant. They have been found in nonstick cookware, waterproof fabrics, food packaging, and drinking water. But unlike other chemicals, PFAS don’t break down easily—they accumulate in the body and the environment.
Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure include:
- Increased cancer risk (kidney, liver, and testicular cancers)
- Endocrine disruption (affecting thyroid, testosterone, and estrogen balance)
- Weakened immune function
- Reproductive harm and lower birth weights
The problem with wearing PFAS-containing smartwatch bands is the constant direct skin contact, which may allow these chemicals to leach into the body through heat, sweat, and micro-abrasions.
The Apple and Samsung Lawsuits: What We Know
The lawsuit against Apple specifically calls out the Nike Sport Band and certain other models. Samsung’s Galaxy smartwatch bands are facing similar legal action.
The claims include:
- Failure to disclose PFAS in smartwatch bands
- Skin irritation, burns, and rashes linked to prolonged wear
- Toxic absorption through the skin due to 24/7 use
Apple and Samsung have not yet publicly addressed these concerns, but many consumers are now questioning whether their smartwatch band is exposing them to harmful chemicals.
How to Reduce Your Risk: Smartwatch Band Alternatives
If you’re concerned about PFAS exposure from your smartwatch band, consider switching to safer materials:
- Leather (vegetable-tanned, non-chemically treated)
- Stainless steel (non-coated, high-quality steel bands)
- Fabric bands (without PFAS waterproof coatings)
To check if your smartwatch band is included in the lawsuit, look for updates from Apple and Samsung or replace it with a non-toxic option to be safe.
Everyday Detox: Why These Swaps Matter
PFAS exposure adds up over time, and while a single source may not seem alarming, cumulative exposure from watch bands, cookware, water, and food packaging can have long-term effects. Simple swaps—like choosing a non-toxic watch band—are easy to reduce your body’s chemical burden and support long-term health.
Share this information if you own a smartwatch or know someone who does. Awareness is the first step toward reducing unnecessary chemical exposure in everyday life.
References:
- Swenberg, James A., et al. “Formaldehyde Carcinogenicity Research: 30 Years and Counting for Mode of Action, Epidemiology, and Cancer Risk Assessment.” Toxicologic Pathology, vol. 41, no. 2, Feb. 2013, pp. 181–89.
- 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.
- Seyyedsalehi, Monireh Sadat, and Paolo Boffetta. “Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Exposure and Risk of Kidney, Liver, and Testicular Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” La Medicina Del Lavoro, vol. 114, no. 5, 2023, p. E2023040.
- Szilagyi, John T., et al. “Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Their Effects on the Placenta, Pregnancy and Child Development: A Potential Mechanistic Role for Placental Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs).” Current Environmental Health Reports, vol. 7, no. 3, Sept. 2020, pp. 222–30.
- PFAS Lawsuits Involve Apple Watch Bands, Samsung Galaxy Watch Bands, and Hershey’s Chocolate Wrappers.” JD Supra, https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/pfas-lawsuits-involve-apple-watch-bands-8451962/. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.