Fitbit Archives

'Forever chemicals' are everywhere in our tech and almost impossible to avoid

The term “forever chemicals” is floating around more than ever. If you’re wondering why folks are so worried about them, the clue’s in the name.

These substances stick around for a long, long time, and it’s not clear how safe they are. They’re also everywhere, from your phone and smartwatch tech to carpets to nail polish.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS for short, are synthetic chemicals, so they’re not found in nature. And now, both Apple and Samsung are being sued for wearables that release high levels of PFAS.

So, what’s the deal and how worried should you be? I’ve got the intel.

Why PFAS get used so much

In gadgets, they waterproof circuits, keep down the heat levels and add durability. They make your cooking pans nonstick, strengthen cardboard and keep mascara from running. In factories, they keep equipment running smoothly and corrosion-free, and in firefighting foam, they suppress and cool flames.

We’re talking about thousands of chemicals here, made on demand to do specific (and valuable) jobs. No wonder it took so long for us to start asking about the health and safety trade-offs of using PFAS. (Ahem, anyone else thinking about asbestos?)

The health risks of PFAS

There’s no direct link between PFAS and disease, but there are a lot of warning signs. I did some digging, and scientific studies associate these forever chemicals with cancer risks, kidney disease and fertility problems. Something’s not right.

Scientists are still figuring out how PFAS damage the body and what level of exposure is dangerous. Until then, what are you supposed to do?

Take it into your own hands

Know the big offenders: Smartwatches, fitness trackers and water-resistant phones use PFAS for durability and waterproofing. Letting a PFAS-loaded band sit on your wrist all day probably isn’t the best idea. A recent study showed cheaper bands contained fewer “forever chemicals” than the expensive name-brand bands. All the under-$15 bands were cleared. Here are safe options for Apple Watch and Fitbit.

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Did Santa bring you a smart gadget? Here’s how to make the most of it

Unwrapping a new gadget is a thrill, but what comes next? If you’ve received a smart speaker, fitness tracker, tablet or any other high-tech gift, I’ll show you how to go beyond the basics.

Feeling jealous? I have links for you, too, in case there’s a gift card burning a hole in your pocket.

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Let’s get physical, physical

🏋️ Get into gear on Amazon’s Big Spring Sale.

Track your steps, heart rate and more with a Fitbit (25% off).
Get a smart scale (37% off) to measure more than pounds.
Recover from sore muscles with a massage gun (45% off).
Grab a nonslip yoga mat (34% off) for support.
If you do Pilates like I do, this bar kit (23% off) is great.
Hop with a cordless jump rope (19% off) that won’t tangle.
This running armband (23% off) holds your phone and earbuds.
Hit the trails with hiking poles (23% off) that fold up quickly.
Protect your skin with SPF 50 sunscreen (33% off).

🥤 Quench your thirst: An insulated flask (15% off) and a hydration backpack (17% off) help you stay cool on the go.

We may earn a commission from purchases, but our recommendations are always objective.

Fitbit helps convict husband of murder

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I’ve got a surprising story of how an exercise tracker put a man in jail. Here’s how Fitbit tracked down a killer, in 60 seconds.

The fix that didn’t: Fitbit pushed out a mandatory update to stop batteries from overheating and burning you. Turns out it also cut battery life in Sense and Versa 3 models from up to six days to … one day. Fill out this form if you want $50 as their “oops, sorry.”

🔎 Fitbit gone MIA? This trick helps you retrace your steps. Just open the Fitbit app (iOS, Android) on your phone. Then, tap Account and choose your tracker. You’ll see the last location where it synced.

6 useful, affordable gifts for the Android lover on your list

We all love our Android devices, but let’s be honest — we could always do with a few more gadgets or an upgrade here and there.

How long have you been using that old smart TV? What about that old Fitbit with limited features? What was the last Android release you missed out on?

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Kim’s essential tech picks: 15 gifts your family and friends will love

I like to give gifts that solve problems. Something that the person didn’t know they needed until they open the box and say, “Wow, now that’s terrific.”

And with so much stress this year, why not gift our loved one’s tech that can make their lives easier? Tap or click here to see some of Amazon’s early Black Friday deals on tech.

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