A new study has found that the use of smartwatches and fitness trackers can expose users to dangerous substances called ‘forever chemicals’.
In the study, scientists found that wristbands made of expensive materials (especially fluorinated synthetic rubber) contain large amounts of a type of forever chemical that can be harmful to humans.
This chemical, known as perfluorohexanoic acid, is a type of PFAS, is commonly found in everyday household items and is associated with a number of health problems.
PFAS are a group of different chemicals that are valued for their water, sweat, and oil-repellent properties, which is why they are used in common items.
However, their resistance to dissolution in the environment has raised health concerns about potential health risks.
Lead author of the study and professor Graham Paisley of the University of Notre Dame said that the results of the study show that the type of forever chemical found in these products remains attached to our skin for a long time.
The study found that straps more expensive than $ 30 contained higher amounts of fluorine than cheaper straps.
