Brands tested:

• Apple
• Apple/Nike
• CASETiFY
• Fitbit
• Google
• KingofKings
• Modal
• Samsung
• Tighesen
• Vanjua

Problems pointed out by commenters aside, I am under the impression that there is very little oversight about this kind of stuff anymore.

For one thing - unless they’ve changed recently, Amazon “bins” alike products from multiple suppliers, meaning if a bad actor is introducing counterfeits (or just less stringently tested, for more fungible products) - Amazon doesn’t even know who they got them from, by the time that’s discovered.

But for another thing, the absolutely incredible volume of products - how on earth is anyone making sure these random-character-generated “brands” are safe?

I lack much in the way of direct evidence, cuz I’ve got shit to do and this isn’t my life’s focus - but it seems apparent that there cannot possibly be the kind of consumer safety testing that we want going on. And if that’s true, it’s only a matter of time before the smart capitalists realize no one is watching and they can make stuff even cheaper (I think they already have), and then how long before we as a society discover all the harm that’s done as a result?

I’d love to be wrong about this, but like so many tech innovations, I have a feeling we’re going to find out later there were huge harms done before we learned how to rein them in. The speed, volume, and price we’ve grown used to with Amazon seems to preclude consumer safety.

I’m not surprised at all. My wife and I only use 3rd party metal bands because the factory bands gave us both chemical burns.

About a decade ago I had a Fitbit and wearing it caused my wrist to break out in a rash. I sent a picture of said wrist to Customer Support and they gave me a full refund on it.

Now, I’ve not had a watch cause me to break out like that since and I’ve also never owned any of the other brands on this list… Now you got me wondering.

A recent study published in the journal “Environmental Science & Technology Letters” has found that many popular smartwatch bands contain high levels of toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS. These chemicals are used in many products, from cookware to clothing, because they make things non-stick or water-resistant. The problem is, they don’t break down in the environment and can build up in our bodies over time. This can lead to some pretty serious health problems like cancer, immune system issues, and even developmental problems in kids.

“But H20 is a chemical!” /s

what about zswatch?

So don’t eat my watch band. Noted.