Apple Watches do not Belong in Water, a Pool or Ocean, The Reasons May Surprise You

By Sarah Aminoff of Safe Tech International

Do you ever go to nature seeking a tech-free zone only to find you can’t avoid people who won’t put down their phones or who wear Apple watches in the water? When I go swimming, I am not expecting to feel I’m at the Apple Store Genius Bar. Apple’s Practically Magic campaign insists people can wear a watch that’s “swimproof,” however water and electronics don’t mix – and we’ll unpack if Apple can defy the laws of physics or not! Although the Apple Watches are more sophisticated than computers that flew astronauts to the moon, and Triathletes may swear by the Apple Watch, there are reasons to say no to Apple Watch in the water and pools.

The obvious:

1 – Privacy issues: Apple Watches can be paired with a camera to take pictures of swimmers, and also when outfitted with a wristcam, you can take pictures on your Apple Watch.

The not so obvious:

2 – PFAS in Apple Watch sports watch band – forever chemicals concern for health

Both the Nike and Apple Watch Sport band contain a class of chemicals which is “of concern” for human health (PFAS, PFC) acronyms for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluroalkyl related compounds.

These “forever chemicals” pollute water, don’t break down, and remain in the body for years,” observes Environmental Working Group. PFAS may increase the risk of cancer and should be kept away from people and the environment. To get an idea how bad forever chemicals are, Jane Fonda writes:

“The film ‘‘Dark Waters’ starring Mark Ruffalo is a must see! The story of #foreverchemicals is shocking and affects us all.”

Time Magazine shares how companies knew about forever chemicals and kept it secret. Yet it’s no secret that PFAS is on the iPhone and iPad screen! Apple insists it is a regulated substance

3 – Water to most electronics is like kryptonite to Superman …