The Pixel Watch 5 no longer ships with a carcinogenic band, and the Apple Watch must follow

Key Points:

• Google’s Pixel Watch 5 introduces a second-generation Active Band made from safer, non-fluorinated Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), replacing the previous fluoroelastomer material linked to health concerns.
• Fluoroelastomer bands, common in many smartwatch brands including Apple and earlier Google models, contain PFAS "forever chemicals" that can leach into the skin, potentially causing long-term health risks like immune suppression and cancer.
• HNBR is a medical-grade, biocompatible material widely used in wearables and food-contact applications, offering similar durability and comfort to fluoroelastomers but without the harmful chemicals.
• Samsung switched to HNBR bands years ago, and Google’s move with the Pixel Watch 5 sets a new safety standard that Apple and other manufacturers are urged to follow.
• The new band is compatible with all previous Pixel Watch models, allowing users to upgrade to the safer material without replacing their device.