Smart watches could be exposing wearers to ‘forever chemicals’

They have become hugely popular devices that many of us wear day and night.

But your smartwatch could be exposing you to “forever chemicals”, scientists have warned.

Experts have found that straps from certain brands — especially the more expensive ones made of rubber — contain potentially toxic compounds.

And because they are worn so often, it’s possible the chemicals could get under the user’s skin.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Notre Dame in the US, examined 22 smartwatch and fitness tracker straps including those from Apple, Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung.

The more expensive wristbands made from synthetic rubber treated with fluorine contained high amounts of perfluorohexanoic acid.

This man-made chemical is found in some household items and has been linked to fertility problems and cancer.

These substances are prized for their water, sweat and oil-repellent properties, but concerns have been raised over potential health risks due to their durability and resistance to breaking down naturally in the environment.

The study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Letters, found synthetic rubber wristbands costing more than $50 are likely to contain higher levels of PFHxA.

The researchers suggested this may be because the compounds are used during manufacturing.

It is not known how quickly they enter the skin, nor the potential health risks if they are absorbed.

Traditionally, researchers have thought the most common way the chemicals enter the body is by being swallowed or inhaled.

But some studies have suggested that prolonged skin contact can lead to the compounds being absorbed.

Graham Peaslee, one of the authors of the study, said: ‘This discovery stands out because of the very high concentrations of one type of forever chemical found in items that are in prolonged contact with our skin.’

The researchers said they did not want to “name and shame” the worst offenders because their sample set was relatively small.

But some of the more expensive watch straps in the study – which are advertised as containing the synthetic rubber – included Apple wristbands, priced at around $100, and Samsung ones worth $90.

Apple and Samsung were approached for comment