Google Pixel Watch 5 band ditches carcinogenic material used in many smartwatch straps

The Google Pixel Watch 5, which was shown off at the most recent Made By Google event, is now shipping with a newer, carcinogen-free band.

The search giant’s new smartwatch ships with a “second-gen” Active Band, which Android Police discovered doesn’t include carcinogenic materials used in many other smartwatch bands.

These materials, called fluoroelastomers, contain high levels of “forever chemicals” called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which were first detected in a 2024 study conducted at the University of Notre Dame. This study also noted that the chemicals were leaching out of the band under simulated sweat and skin conditions.

Now, the 2024 study didn’t look at the long-term effects of wearing the watch bands, but it did raise concerns surrounding daily wear — especially as these bands come with devices that include fitness features and are often intended to be worn during exercise.

Unfortunately, even trace amounts of PFAS can cause long-term damage to the body, such as altered immune and thyroid function, liver and kidney disease, lipid and insulin dysregulation, adverse reproductive and developmental outcomes, and certain types of cancer.

However, Android Police noted that there are still certain types of sport bands that contain fluoroelastomers. That includes Google’s first-gen active band, Apple’s Sport, Ocean, and Solo Loop bands, most Withings watch bands, and the OnePlus strap for the Watch 2 and 3.

Now, the second generation of the Active Band uses HNBR, short for Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, a medical-grade, safe compound used in many products like food-contact materials and wearables, like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch band.

HNBR is widely known as being both biocompatible and skin-safe, so it’s great to see Google making that transition. Here’s hoping we see Apple and other tech companies follow suit.

Source: Android Police

Header image credit: Google