The Hidden Dangers of Smartwatch Bands

Smartwatches have become an everyday necessity for tracking fitness, monitoring heart rate, and staying connected. But while these devices help keep tabs on health, the very band that wraps around your wrist could be doing the opposite—exposing you to toxic chemicals that absorb into your skin daily.

A recent Notre Dame study found that 15 out of 22 smartwatch bands tested contained dangerously high levels of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), also known as forever chemicals. These compounds, often associated with Teflon and non-stick coatings, are widely recognized for their environmental persistence and harmful effects on human health.

Many smartwatch bands, especially those marketed as “silicone-like” or extra durable, are actually made with fluoroelastomers, a type of synthetic rubber that contains at least one form of PFAS. These bands are designed to resist heat, water, oil, and chemicals, but durability comes at a cost—direct skin exposure to toxic substances that accumulate in the body over time.^[1]

How PFAS in Smartwatch Bands Absorb into Your Skin

Most people don’t think twice about the materials in their smartwatch bands. But when PFAS-containing materials sit against the thin skin on the wrist for hours every day, those chemicals don’t just stay on the surface—they absorb directly into the body.

Studies show that PFAS can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream, circulating and accumulating in tissues. The skin on the wrist is particularly vulnerable because it is thinner and more permeable than other areas of the body, making it easier for chemicals to penetrate.

Because PFAS do not break down naturally, repeated exposure leads to bioaccumulation, meaning that even small amounts absorbed daily add up over time, increasing toxic burden and long-term health risks.

The Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

PFAS chemicals have been extensively studied, and their impact on health is alarming. These substances have been linked to:

• Liver and kidney damage due to their ability to accumulate in detox organs, impairing their function over time.^[3]
• Immune suppression, reducing the body’s ability to fight off infections and diseases.^[4]
• Endocrine disruption, interfering with hormone balance, metabolism, and reproductive health.^[5]
• Increased cancer risk, with multiple studies associating PFAS exposure with higher rates of kidney, liver, and testicular cancer.
• Birth defects and developmental disorders in children exposed to PFAS during pregnancy.^[6]
• Higher cholesterol levels and metabolic dysfunction, increasing the risk of heart disease.

PFAS exposure doesn’t happen overnight—it happens gradually through constant, low-dose exposure. The more frequently a person wears a PFAS-containing smartwatch band, the greater the accumulation in the body.

The Hidden Truth About “Silicone” Smartwatch Bands

Many people assume their smartwatch band is made from silicone, but not all materials labeled as “silicone-like” are actually silicone. Many smartwatch companies use fluoroelastomers, a synthetic rubber that contains PFAS and other chemical additives to increase flexibility, durability, and resistance to heat and moisture.^[2]

Fluoroelastomers are commonly used in industrial applications, including aerospace and automotive manufacturing, because of their extreme resistance to environmental stressors. But what works for car engines and space equipment doesn’t necessarily belong on human skin.

If your smartwatch band is described as:

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

There’s a high chance it is made from fluoroelastomers rather than pure silicone.

Safer Alternatives to Toxic Smartwatch Bands

Avoiding PFAS exposure from smartwatch bands is possible by choosing safer, non-toxic materials. Here are some better alternatives:

• Stainless steel bands, particularly mesh or solid-link designs, are free of PFAS and other synthetic chemicals, making them one of the safest choices.
• Genuine leather bands that are vegetable-tanned rather than chemically treated offer a natural, non-toxic option.
• Fabric or nylon bands that are untreated and free of synthetic coatings can be a safer alternative compared to fluoroelastomer bands.

How to Reduce Your Exposure to PFAS from Smartwatch Bands

If you’re already using a smartwatch band and are unsure of its composition, there are a few steps you can take to minimize exposure:

• Check the materials carefully before purchasing a new band. Look for watch bands labeled as stainless steel, untreated leather, or fabric.
• Avoid bands that list fluoroelastomer as a material, as these are confirmed to contain PFAS.
• Be cautious of vague descriptions like “silicone-like” or “durable synthetic rubber,” which often indicate fluoroelastomer materials.
• Swap out your band for a safer alternative as soon as possible, especially if you wear your smartwatch daily.

The Bigger Picture: PFAS in Consumer Products

The issue of PFAS contamination in smartwatch bands is just one example of how these forever chemicals have infiltrated everyday consumer products. From non-stick cookware to waterproof clothing, PFAS are used in thousands of applications where chemical resistance is prioritized over health safety.

Regulatory agencies have been slow to address the dangers of PFAS, allowing companies to continue using these chemicals despite overwhelming evidence of harm. As awareness grows, more consumers are demanding PFAS-free alternatives, pushing the market toward safer materials.

Final Thoughts

Your smartwatch is supposed to help track and improve your health, not expose you to toxic chemicals that undermine it. The discovery of high PFAS levels in smartwatch bands is a reminder that hidden toxins exist in many everyday items, and constant exposure can have long-term consequences.

By choosing non-toxic alternatives like stainless steel, untreated leather, or fabric bands, you can significantly reduce your exposure to PFAS and other harmful substances. Small changes in the products you wear daily can significantly affect your overall toxic load and long-term health.

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.