Last update:
It is claimed that Apple Smartwatch PFAS can cause cancer, liver damage or hormone problems. While some watch bands contain PFAs, the risk of damage through skin contact is low
There is no concrete scientific evidence that wearing a smartwatch leads to serious health risk. (Thip media)
A social media post claims that Apple smartwatch can cause cancer and other health issues. We checked the fact and said this claim Most false,
Claim
A viral instagram Video It is claimed that Apple watches can kill you. In the video, Rajiv Makhani further stated that smartwatch, cancer, liver damage, weakened immunity and hormonal issues including Apple watches. The video blames “Forever Chemicals”, also known as PFAS (per-polyphaloralocill substance), which is said to have a regular wear and leach in the skin with regular wear.
Facts check
Do Smartwatch have “PFAs” forever?
Yes, do somethingA December 2024 Studies Analyzed 22 smartwatch bands from various brands. It was found that 15 of them contain high fluorine levels, which suggests the presence of fluorolystomers, made using a type of synthetic rubber. owner ,Per- and polyphluorocill substanceThe most common PFAS was detected perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHXA,
Fluorolestomers Make the watch band more durable, sweating resistant and flexible. However, not all smartwatch bands have PFAs. Many bands are made of materials such as silicon, leather or fabric, which are PFAS-free.
Can PFAs enter the body through the watch band?
There is unlikely to cause damage, PFAS can be harmful In large amounts, but the absorption of the skin is not the primary method that these chemicals enter the body. People usually come into contact with PFA through contaminated food, water or air. A study has shown that PFHXA can be extracted from a watch band in a laboratory, but it is not clear how much, if any, is absorbed through the skin in real -life condition.
During our examination, we found two studies on the absorption of PFA’s skin:
- A 2022 study PFAs found in products that come in contact with skin, but highlight that it is not clear how much can be absorbed. PFAS requires more research to understand the absorption of the skin.
- A 2024 study It was found that the skin could absorb different amounts of PFA. The short-chain PFA was more absorbed, which contained up to 59% of the dosage applied through the skin. Long-chains PFAs were very rarely absorbed, some were as low as 0.1%. However, the absorption of the skin was slow, and over time only reached a small amount of bloodstream.
Current scientific knowledge shows that PFAs do not easily pass through the skin. Researchers of the study mentioned in the claim video also said that we still need more studies to fully understand the absorption of the skin of PFHXA. Till then, the claim of significant damage from skin contact is unproven.
Are PFAs related to cancer and other health problems?
Yes, in high amounts, but not from the watch bandSome pfas, such as PFOA and PFOS are connected to Cancer, hormone disruptions, Issues of immune systemAnd liver problems. However, these health effects are associated with high level risk, such as industrial workers or people who drink contaminated water.
In contrast, the small amount of PFA that can come from the watch band is much less than harmful exposure levels. There is no evidence that wearing a smartwatch increases the level of PFAS in the body, causing health problems.
If you want to reduce the potential risk, consider choosing less expensive restbands made of silicone. For high -priced options, read the product details carefully and avoid the materials listed as fluorolestomers.
Does the notre Dame study actually suggest that smartwatch causes all those health problems?
Absolutely notThe study completely identifies the presence of PFHXA in some watch bands. It does not claim that wearing smartwatch causes cancer, liver damage, or any other conditions mentioned in the video. In the video, the person (Rajiv Makhani) is doing a large extent extraction beyond the actual findings of the study.
To achieve expert outlook, we talked Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, MPH, Senior Advisor (Medical), NPCCHH (MOHFW), Center for Community Medicine, AIIMS, New DelhiHe explained, “Notre Dame studies identify the presence of PFHXA in some smartwatch bands, but do not claim that wearing these devices causes cancer, liver damage or other health problems. This highlights the need for more research on PFHXA exposure, especially through skin exposure. However, detecting a chemical does not mean that it causes health risk. The actual loss depends on factors such as the level of absorption, the duration of risk and dosage-reaction relationships, not any of which directly addresses the study. ,
Should people stop wearing smartwatch due to health concerns?
Not necessarySmartwatches provide health benefits such as heart rate, exercise and sleeping. There is no strong evidence that wearing them causes cancer or other health problems. If you are worried, consider using a band made of silicon, leather or fabric.
While smartwatch can be useful for basic health monitoring, their accuracy has limitations. Pro. Dr. Mayank Vats, Interventional Pulmonologist, UAE in DubaiNotes that “Factors such as skin tone, wrist conditions and sweat can interfere with heart rate, blood oxygen and sensor reading for ECG. This inaccurate can confuse individuals with chronic conditions Arrhythmia Or high blood pressure, potentially required medical intervention delay. ,
Although Smartwatch may help detect some health issuesTheir abilities are often misunderstood. they are Helpful for general monitoring but limitsEspecially when it comes to managing old situations.
Take thip media
It is claimed that Apple Smartwatch PFA can cause cancer, liver damage or hormone problems. Most falseWhile some watch bands contain PFAs, the risk of damage through skin contact is low. There is no concrete scientific evidence that wearing a smartwatch leads to serious health risk.
This story was originally published Thip mediaAnd reinstated by News18 as part of Shakti collective collective.
