Study Suggests High Levels of Forever Chemicals in Fluoroelastomer Bands - What Should I Use Instead?

[julesme]

I just stumbled on the below article in The Guardian (UK): A recent study found high levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in fluoroelastomer smartwatch bands; these chemicals are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. I’ve almost always worn the Sport Band with my Apple Watches, going back to 2016, but now I may switch to something else.

I would probably consider 1) silicone, 2) leather, 3) stainless steel, and possibly other ideas. I use AW for exercise, and I expect it to withstand running water. What alternative bands would you suggest trying out? Thanks in advance!


Guardian article:

Smartwatch bands can contain ‘major’ levels of toxic PFAS, study finds

High amounts of ‘forever chemicals’ that can be absorbed through skin detected in common brands of wrist bands

www.theguardian.com

 

[goldmac2006]

I just stumbled on the below article in The Guardian (UK): A recent study found high levels of PFAS (forever chemicals) in fluoroelastomer smartwatch bands; these chemicals are toxic and can be absorbed through the skin. I’ve almost always worn the Sport Band with my Apple Watches, going back to 2016, but now I may switch to something else.

I would probably consider 1) silicone, 2) leather, 3) stainless steel, and possibly other ideas. I use AW for exercise, and I expect it to withstand running water. What alternative bands would you suggest trying out? Thanks in advance!


Guardian article:

Smartwatch bands can contain ‘major’ levels of toxic PFAS, study finds

High amounts of ‘forever chemicals’ that can be absorbed through skin detected in common brands of wrist bands

www.theguardian.com

Maybe try out the carbon neutral sport loops or textile bands like braided solo loops? Or if you wear an Apple Watch Ultra or a 44/45/46, trail and alpine loops?

 

[the future]

The Solo Loops are also „rubber“, but silicone instead of fluoroelastomer.

 

[bhodinut]

I saw that. We're looking at how much PFAS does transfer from the band to the skin using TOF-MS as a measurement technique. It's possible the PFAS is tied up and doesn't release onto your skin. There's also a possibility that an older band is inert while a new band is still off-gassing flouro-elastomer material. Lots of questions to answer.

 

[julesme]

I ended up getting the Milanese stainless steel in slate. Obviously it isn’t a sport band, but I’m happy with it and presumably there’s no risk of PFAS chemicals.

 

[nxt3]

This is definitely something I pay attention to from clothing to diet (butter via the PFAS wrappers, for example).

I can’t seem to find evidence that it’s easily absorbed when made into clothing or something like a watch strap. Reading the article you posted, they said PFAS can be absorbed heavily when applied as a cream:

Research from earlier this year found as much as 60% of some PFAS in a cream applied to a human skin model was absorbed…

Which isn’t the same as me wearing recycled polyester (also a know vector for PFAS).

There is a good chance even silicone straps from the right producer have PFAS because the machinery making the straps is contaminated.

PFAS is definitely this generation’s lead paint. It’s out of control.

 

[goldmac2006]

I ended up getting the Milanese stainless steel in slate. Obviously it isn’t a sport band, but I’m happy with it and presumably there’s no risk of PFAS chemicals.

Nice. Did you get a slate series 10?

 

[julesme]

Nice. Did you get a slate series 10?

I have a midnight Series 9, and it matches really well with the slate milanese loop.

 

[smirking]

PFAS is definitely this generation’s lead paint. It’s out of control.

Anytime I feel down about all the dumb things we're doing to ourselves, I remind myself that previous generations harmed themselves in some truly horrific ways in the name of fun and health fads. It could be worse. It could be the radium that people were irradiating themselves with in the early 20th century.

 

[nxt3]

Anytime I feel down about all the dumb things we're doing to ourselves, I remind myself that previous generations harmed themselves in some truly horrific ways in the name of fun and health fads. It could be worse. It could be the radium that people were irradiating themselves with in the early 20th century.

We’ll ban PFAS and replace it with another problem. The cycle will continue 🥲

 

[Saturn007]

What about the Sports Loop? Apple reports it being a “nylon weave”…

40mm Blue Cloud Sport Loop

Customize the look and feel of your Apple Watch with a 40mm Blue Cloud carbon neutral Sport Loop, a soft, durable nylon band. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

The Solo Loop is described as “liquid silicone rubber”. See

40mm Lake Green Solo Loop - Size 0

Customize the look and feel of your Apple Watch with a 40mm lake green Solo Loop, a stretchable, one-piece silicone band. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

Which bands are fluoroelastomer?

Has Apple dropped the term “fluoroelastomer” since the study and article came out?

Helpful discussion here:

Apple Watch Bands safe from toxic chemica… - Apple Community

discussions.apple.com

Apple still states Ocean Bands have “elastomer”

49mm Navy Ocean Band - Black Titanium Finish

Add the 49mm navy Ocean Band to your Apple Watch Ultra 2. The tubular geometry allows it to stretch for a perfect fit. Buy now at apple.com.

www.apple.com

 

[goldmac2006]

I have a midnight Series 9, and it matches really well with the slate milanese loop.

Really? How about the ultra Milanese loop in black titanium if your Apple Watch series 9 is a 45mm? The brushed titanium matches better. Here is how it looks like on a 44mm midnight Apple Watch SE when I tried it on at Apple Store: