Apple has insisted its watch bands are safe to wear after concerns were raised about them containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as toxic “forever chemicals.”
Newsweek has contacted Apple via email for further comment.
Concerning Report
New research carried out by the University of Notre Dame, published last December, found that PFAS were used in 15 out of 22 common smartwatch and fitness tracker bands.
The report did not specify which brands tested positive for PFAS but confirmed that Nike, Apple, Fitbit and Google were among those tested.
Researcher Graham Peaslee said the results were “concerning,” partly because the levels of PFAS detected were “much higher than most PFAS we have seen in consumer products.”
He was also worried that PFAS were used in bands specifically marketed for “sport” given that sweat can cause them to be absorbed through the skin faster.
Apple Watch Bands ‘Safe for Users To Wear’
Following this report, a class action lawsuit was filed that cited the study.
Apple issued a statement on Thursday, which said: “Apple Watch bands are safe for users to wear. In addition to our own testing, we also work with independent laboratories to conduct rigorous testing and analysis of the materials used in our products, including Apple Watch bands.”
Apple also said it plans to “completely phase out” the use of PFAS in its products. In a November 2022 document, the company said: “We started with an assessment of the PFAS class with the highest use volume in our products—the fluoropolymers.
“While our analysis indicated that these materials are safe during product use, we felt it important to broaden our scope to consider manufacturing along the supply chain. We concluded that our goal needs to restrict the use of all PFAS compounds.
“A complete phaseout of PFAS from Apple products and processes will take time. We need to compile a comprehensive catalog of PFAS use in electronics, identify and develop non-PFAS alternatives that can meet the performance needs for certain critical applications, and take into account the time needed for material qualification.
“Lastly, we need to ensure that the non-PFAS alternatives do not result in regrettable substitutions—where alternatives are as harmful as, or even more harmful than, the PFAS being replaced.”
What Are PFAS?
PFAS, called “forever chemicals” because they exist for an extended period of time without biodegrading, have been linked to serious health conditions such as cancer, liver and heart damage, fertility and developmental impacts on children.
They are found in a range of everyday products and can have a significant environmental impact.
Several new regulations on PFAS came in last year, including the Environmental Protection Agency adding new toxins to its list of “forever chemicals,” requiring companies to help track their impact on the environment.
The Toxics Release Inventory will be expanded to include nine new substances that companies will have to track if they are released into the environment above certain levels.
Why Are PFAS Used in Products?
PFAS are often used as waterproofing agents (in rain protection and hiking gear, for example) and for their non-stick properties (non-stick cookware), chemical and heat resistance and longevity.
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