I read an article about high levels of harmful chemicals in smartwatch bands, especially rubber ones. It said the more expensive rubber or plastic bands might be worse. I always replace mine with leather or metal. Just wanted to share why it might be worth thinking about for your skin.
Link to the full article is below:
I get what you’re saying, but you still need to be careful with replacements.
Leather can have issues with chromium VI link.
Metal bands might have nickel, lead, or cadmium risks link.
The best option is finding one from a reliable source where you know what it’s made of. It’s crazy how so many toxic things make it into products we use every day.
@Remy
Good point, but the article mentions the most expensive options being the worst. So even “high quality” replacements might not be safe. It’s such a mess, and not enough people seem to care about this.
For healthcare workers like me, rubber or silicone bands seem better because of infection control. Does anyone have other suggestions?
Corey said:
For healthcare workers like me, rubber or silicone bands seem better because of infection control. Does anyone have other suggestions?
The article recommends silicone bands, especially cheaper ones without fluoroelastomers. That might work for you.
I like nylon straps. They’re comfy, adjustable, and don’t usually have harmful chemicals. They can be a hassle to clean, though, and you might need extras to rotate while one dries. I also switch to leather or metal for formal occasions and use silicone for water activities.
Here’s the link to the article about chemical levels in smartwatch bands: