PFAS in smartwatch bands: Lawsuit against Apple raises questions

27.01.2025 | Fundamental right

PFAS in smartwatch bands: Lawsuit against Apple raises questions

Do you wear a smartwatch? Then there’s something you should know. Recent scientific studies show that certain smartwatch wristbands contain dangerous levels of PFAS – the so-called ‘eternal chemicals’. And that’s not without consequences. American tech giant Apple is now being sued for using these substances in their Apple Watch bands.

But what does this mean for you as a wearer? And how can an everyday accessory pose a hidden health risk? Here’s everything you need to know.

Apple in court: What's going on?

A lawsuit has been filed against Apple in the United States District Court for Northern California. The complaint? Three popular Apple Watch bands – the Sport Band, Ocean Band and Nike Sport Band – allegedly contain high levels of PFAS.

The plaintiffs allege that Apple knew these substances were in its products but failed to take action. They are now seeking refunds for consumers who were misled and asking the court to order Apple to provide transparent product information about the presence of PFAS.

Apple responded: “Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our own testing, we work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the materials used in our products.”

But is that enough?

The science behind PFAS in smartwatch bands

A recent scientific study published in ACS' Environmental Science & Technology Letters brought the problem to light. French scientists analyzed 22 wristbands of different brands and price points and found that some of the bands contained significant amounts of PFAS.
Why are these chemicals in watch straps? Fluoroelastomers – synthetic rubbers containing PFAS – are used to make the straps water and sweat resistant. Handy for sports, but potentially harmful to your health.

What did the researchers find?

13 of the 22 tires sold as “fluoroelastomer” contained fluorine.
2 other bands (which were not advertised as containing fluoroelastomer) were found to contain fluorine after all.
More expensive tires (> $30) contain more PFAS than cheaper ones (< $15).
The highest PFAS value ever measured in a consumer product for long-term skin contact: 16,000 ppb PFHxA in one sample.

PFAS and your health: Why should we be concerned?

It is not yet fully understood how easily PFAS enters our bodies through the skin, but studies show that sweat and open pores can enhance absorption. And that is precisely the problem:
How often do you wear your smartwatch?
On average 11 hours a day at least, and often during intense activities where you sweat. This may increase the absorption of PFAS through the skin.

What does science say?

Research from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) shows that exposure to PFHxA, a common PFAS, can impact:
– Liver function
– Hormone balance
– Development and blood values
Europe takes action: Since the beginning of 2023, there has already been a restriction on PFHxA in certain consumer and industrial products. It is expected that this regulation will be further tightened in the future.

PFAS is everywhere: From smartwatches to soil contamination

This news about smartwatch bands is not an isolated incident. PFAS pollution is a growing problem worldwide.

In Belgium, extremely high levels of PFOS, a type of PFAS, were discovered in Zwijndrecht during the construction of the Antwerp Oosterweel connection in 2021.
– Action groups such as Climaxi and Grondrecht are committed to enforcing recognition and remediation in both the environmental and medical fields.
– Extremely high PFAS concentrations were measured again in Ronse in 2023.

The presence of PFAS in soil, water and now consumer products raises major questions about our exposure to these substances in everyday life.

What can you do?

Want to avoid PFAS in smartwatch bands? Here’s what you can do:

– Choose silicone bands instead of fluoroelastomers. These contain less or no PFAS.
– Read the product description and look for terms such as “fluoroelastomer.”
– Check independent product reviews and studies for more transparency about materials.

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