The focus here is on wrist accessories designed for Apple Watches that are manufactured without the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These substances, often abbreviated as PFAS, are a large group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries for their water and stain-resistant properties. Their absence in watch band production aims to mitigate potential health and environmental concerns associated with these chemicals. An example would be a silicone band marketed as ‘PFAS-free’ guaranteeing it wasn’t made using such chemicals.
The significance of producing watch bands without these substances lies in the potential reduction of human exposure to these potentially harmful chemicals. These compounds are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the human body over time. Avoiding materials treated with these substances in commonly used products, like watch bands, could contribute to a lower overall exposure level. Historically, concerns about the bioaccumulation and potential toxicity of these chemicals have driven the development and marketing of products that are specifically free from them.