Three scientists from the University of Notre Dame in Indiana have analyzed the silicone bracelets available in the trade of the most popular smart watches.
The results are disturbing, with high concentrations of perfumed and polyfluorial alkyl substances (PFAS) detected in some of them.
These substances are slowly decomposed in the body and can accumulate at considerable levels over time. The consequences are still being research, but the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns effects such as increased cholesterol levels, changes in liver enzymes, high blood pressure and blood pressure and Pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, kidney cancer and testicles.
Apple trial
Now Apple has been continued by two carriers of Apple Watch, who claim in the trial that Apple should know the harmful effects of fluoroelastomers that the company uses in its Apple Watch groups and inform its customers.
A fluoroelastomer is used in three types of groups in particular, including Apple sports groups, sports groups for the Nike version of the Apple Watch and the Ocean Band for the Apple Watch Ultra and Ultra 2.
The trial was filed before a court in northern California on January 21, 2025 and is designed so that other injured parties can join a collective appeal.
In the study, the researchers analyzed a total of 22 Apple bracelets, Nike, Casety, Fitbit, Google, Kingo Kings, Modal, Samsung, Tighesen and Vajua.
Each bracelet examined has been awarded an anonymous identifier such as M1, I1 or E1; The results do not reveal in which bracelets exactly the scientists have found a disturbing level of harmful PFA. (Scientists anonymously anonymous bracelets according to Price, I represent “inexpensive” (up to 15 USD), M for an “average beach” up to 30 USD and E – “expensive” (from 30 USD) .
In some, the researchers measured 0% PFAS and in others at 90% (Table S8 on page 14). The complainants assume that Apple bracelets contain a high proportion of perfumed and polyfluory alkyl substances, because the researchers concluded that more than 50% of the APFs were detected in two out of three bracelets at high prices.
What Apple has to say
Apple has not yet publicly responded to the study and trial, but in a white paper of November 2022, Apple declares that it will gradually prohibit the PFAS of its production. However, it will take time, according to the newspaper:
“Complete elimination of Apple products and processes will take time. We must compile a complete catalog of the use of PFAs in electronics, identify and develop non -PFAS alternatives which can meet the performance needs of certain critical applications, and take into account the time necessary for material qualification. Finally, we must make sure that non -PFAS alternatives do not result in regrettable substitutions – where alternatives are as harmful as the replacement of PFAs. »»
The company also responded directly to our sister site, Macwelt:
“”Apple Watch bands are safe for users. In addition to our own tests, we also work with independent laboratories to carry out tests and an in -depth analysis of the materials used in our products, including Apple Watch bands.“”
However, Apple Watch is only one of the many major smart watches options. Consult our complete guide to the best smart watches for alternatives available without PFAS.
This article originally appeared on our Macwelt sister publication and was translated and adapted from the German.
