Millions of Americans use smartwatches and fitness trackers daily, but new research reveals these devices may carry hidden dangers. A University of Notre Dame study has found many fitness bands contain harmful chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” are known for their durability and potential to disrupt hormones.

PFAS exposure has been linked to various health problems, including cancer and weakened immune systems. For men, these chemicals may reduce testosterone levels, affecting energy and overall health. The concern grows with prolonged skin contact, a common issue as people wear these devices for hours or days at a time.

GOT A SMART WATCH? Check your watch band. Experts reveal some sports watch bands contain PFAs chemicals tied to everything from cancer and infertility to autoimmune disease.https://t.co/eva8acH9DG

— 7News DC (@7NewsDC) December 19, 2024

Are You Wearing Your Health Tracker… or a Chemical Cocktail?

We’ve all jumped on the fitness bandwagon, tracking steps, monitoring heart rates, and logging sleep—all thanks to those sleek, colorful smartwatches.

But a recent study has revealed a shocking side effect of our… pic.twitter.com/OEQmeyByXG

— Tech Demystified ♨ ✍ (@bigfundu) December 29, 2024

Expensive fitness bands appear to carry the highest levels of PFAS, with some containing concentrations over 1,000 parts per billion. For perspective, PFAS in drinking water is deemed concerning at just four parts per trillion.

Smart Watch Wristbands: To date, there are no federal regulatory limits that dictate safety levels for PFAS exposure through the skin. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency only has set exposure thresholds for drinking water — and for six types of PFAS alone.

— Paul Fisher (@PaulFis92271322) December 19, 2024

A recent study in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found many smartwatch and fitness watch bands made from fluoroelastomers contain harmful “forever chemicals,” particularly perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA). PFHxA, part of the PFAS family, resists breakdown, accumulates… pic.twitter.com/NVP1tGeFVD

— Faust (@faustofm) December 26, 2024

Children are also at risk, especially since their developing bodies are more sensitive to chemical exposure. Wearables marketed to kids compound the problem by being worn continuously.

This issue is not just about health. Fitness trackers collect vast amounts of personal data, from location to heart rate. These devices may share information with advertisers or other third parties, raising privacy concerns.

Those smooth fluoroelastomer apple watch bands also leak pfas into your body. So tiresome https://t.co/hIKbV77ySQ

— Meta Boli (@meta_boli) December 25, 2024

Parents should carefully consider whether fitness trackers are worth the potential risks to their children’s health and security.