Apple Watch Bands safe from toxic chemicals

What you've read is misleading. These reports all seem stem from one study that analyzed a selection of bands for smartwatches, a selection which apparently included some from Apple. But the study did not list details of the specific bands tested and failed to mention how much if any PFAS chemicals were detected in the Apple bands they tested. So the reports are at best inconclusive and at worst causing unnecessary panic.

But if you are concerned, stick with a metal or silicone watchband.

Regards.

Hi,

this is the research: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.4c00907?utm_source=syndication

You need to pay to read the full article, but these are some finding: https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/research-finds-smartwatch-band-laced-011943246.html

The bands tested as part of the chemical analysis include those offered by big names like Google, Samsung, Apple, Fitbit, and CASETiFY. Interestingly, Samsung and Apple both sell watch bands made out of fluoroelastomers, the core problematic chemical at the center of the research, and even mention its “benefits” on their websites.

This is unfortunately true if you read this article: Wearing your Apple Watch - Apple Support (CA)

What's in the bands

These are the Apple Watch band materials that come into contact with your skin:

• Ocean Band: Fluoroelastomer with titanium
• Sport Band: Fluoroelastomer with stainless steel, ceramic, titanium, or 18-karat gold

Fortunately I never used it. I just ordered one, but I am trying to cancel the order.

The above is copied from the Apple watch/band sales site & confirms that it contains a PFAS. When I contact Apple about trading for a different band of same price, agent knew nothing about the potentially unsafe band & could do nothing--including giving name and address of whom in corporate to write. Since I a) and a cancer survivor--so far--and b) need to wear the watch 24/7, I will do two more things: 1) post information with above Apple info on my Facebook site and another family cancer survivor with a watch and who has hundreds of viewers will do the same and 2) buy a different watch band since I need to wear that watch. But future in terms of buy from Apple after years of doing so? NO MORE!

Apple needs to reassure people that its products are 100% safe to wear. Hope they do that soon

Actually the study I read says 16,662 ofPFAS specifically PF H X nanograms per gram which is linked to brain cancer and they say that the ones made from rubber are the ones to avoid all the sport ones that are anti sweat.

So what you telling us is, in other words, we should trust Apple, because they would not charge us hundreds of pounds/dollars for a product that could cause us cancer. People being informed of what they put on their bodies or their kids bodies isn’t panicking, it’s just common sense. Wouldn’t it be lovely if these companies had their customers best interest at heart? Apple have been aware of these issues for a few years now and stated that they were phasing out the products with the PFAs but to this day, no change. I’m seriously rethinking sticking with Apple products, that me, my wife, my kids and most of my family used religiously for many years. I guess you must never have had cancer or you wouldn’t say that people are panicking for no reason. Are you a shareholder?? Fkin joke

Why would we stick to silicone watch bands if we’re concerned, since it’s the silicone bands that are causing the problem?

The study stated that they had to use solvents to extract the PFA, and there was no evidence that any particular brand posed any measured threat at all. The article was probably touting for more research funds for a bigger study.

I would rather use fluoroelastomer than silicone or leather. Suggesting use of cheaper silicone bands that may contain lord knows what in the colour dyes is irresponsible.

@surfcomic it says that watch bands made out of fluoroelastomer are the ones that contain PFAS. Silicone is safe and your Velcro is probably safe too but please do your own research always and check out EWR they have info on their website I suggest you start there. Good luck

perly-may wrote:

The inventor of Apple made a statement to say, “I would never allow my children to use an iPhone or iPad” ALARM BELL!!!

Context is important. Steve Jobs, one of the founders of Apple, said he wouldn't give iPhones or iPads to his kids because he felt screen time was bad for them.

Buy a $10 stainless strap from Amazon and move on.

So buy a $10 stainless steel strap from Amazon and move on. I did.

You may have mis-read the article, silicone is said not to contain significant PFAs, fluoroelastomer is claimed to, the clue is in the name I guess.

I personally get skin irritation from cheap silicone straps I have tried in the past. Apple fluoroelastomer Sport bands don't affect my skin visibly.

Totally agree with you on this statement. People do not realize that our skin is our biggest body organ and transfers directly into our bloodstream. We should be careful with all products that come in contact directly with our skin.

Apple is only concerned with their pockets. The inventor of Apple made a statement to say, “I would never allow my children to use an iPhone or iPad” ALARM BELL!!!

Try to never hold your phone in your hand or hold it to your ear. Lay it on a flat surface (not your lap) or get a phone holder.

[Edited by Moderator]

iron194 wrote:

Hi I would recommend bands without the silicone bc they probably don’t have the chemicals

Your recommendation has no basis. IF you believe that fluoroelastomer straps contain PFAs then avoid those (eg Sport band)

Silicone straps (eg Sport loop) do not contain PFAs according to people who know.

To be really safe spend $10 on a stainless mesh strap from Amazon, EBay. Generally those can be washed through, whereas Apple stainless straps say don’t get them wet (another reason to spend $10 then $99)