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Is your smartwatch band secretly toxic? I asked Apple, Samsung, & Google

A scientific study said fluoroelastomer smartwatch straps "across numerous brands" have unhealthy PFAS compounds. Apple and Google say not to worry.

I got my hands on the full paywalled report, which shows how they used particle-induced gamma-ray emission and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to determine which bands contained fluoride, PFAS, or PFHxA chemicals. (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)The study cites tests on mice that indicate PFAS and PFHxA will eventually absorb into your organs and bloodstream if placed on the skin. (Image credit: Apoorva Bhardwaj / Android Central)I emailed my contacts at Apple, Google, and Samsung about this report, asking if they have any comment on the findings, if their customers have reason to switch bands, and if they'll change any manufacturing processes in the future.

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