A new study has revealed that many popular smartwatch bands can contain high concentrations of "forever chemicals" that may be absorbed through the skin. The study, which was published in December by researchers at Indiana's , looked at 22 watch bands from numerous brands and across various price points for the presence of PFAS, a type of Perfluorochemicals or . It discovered high levels of the chemicals in 15 of the 22 watch bands studied.
Though scientists are still learning about the health effects of exposure to PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, the says it recognizes that exposure to high levels of PFAS may impact the immune system. A says research has "revealed associations between exposure to specific PFAS and a variety of health effects, including altered immune and thyroid function, liver disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, kidney disease, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and cancer." PFAS are manmade chemicals that have been in common use since the 1940s and their presence in the environment is now widespread.
PFAS have been found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and they're often called "forever chemicals" because it is understood they may take thousands of years to break down. They've long been used in waterproof and water-repellent outdoor gear such as and , where they've traditionally been found in both the membrane and . In recent years, outdoor brands have been a concerted effort to move away.