Health and Fitness
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Health and Fitness
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Wed, December 18, 2024
[ Wed, Dec 18th 2024 ] - New Atlas
Watch bands identified as troubling source of "forever chemicals"

Watch bands identified as troubling source of "forever chemicals"


Published on 2024-12-18 13:23:08 - New Atlas
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  • Smartwatches can help improve our health and fitness. But a new report says it's important to consider what kind of bands we put on them, as several popular brands were found to contain high levels of a class of chemicals linked to health issues.

The article from New Atlas discusses a study revealing that many popular watch bands, including those from Apple, Samsung, and Garmin, contain high levels of "forever chemicals" known as PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are notorious for their persistence in the environment and potential health risks, including links to cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system issues. The study, conducted by the University of Rhode Island, tested 39 watch bands from various brands and found that 100% of the bands contained organic fluorine, a marker for PFAS, with levels significantly higher in synthetic materials like rubber and plastic compared to natural materials like leather or metal. The findings underscore the widespread use of these chemicals in consumer products, prompting concerns about long-term exposure and the need for regulatory action to limit PFAS in everyday items.

Read the Full New Atlas Article at:
[ https://newatlas.com/fitness/watch-bands-forever-chemicals ]
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