Google Pixel Watch 5 Swaps PFAS-Laden Bands for Medical-Grade Alternative
The transition to HNBR materials removes 'forever chemicals' from the device's default strap, following a trend toward biocompatible wearables.
Google has updated the default strap for the Pixel Watch 5 to a "2nd Gen Active Band," replacing previous materials containing PFAS with a safer, non-fluorinated alternative. The move addresses growing concerns over carcinogenic chemicals leaching from wearables into the skin during long-term use.
The new default band is constructed from Hydrogenated Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (HNBR), a medical-grade safe compound. This replaces the fluoroelastomer material used in previous generations. The shift is designed to eliminate the risk of "forever chemicals"—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances—which have long been a staple in high-performance sports bands.
The PFAS Problem
For years, fluoroelastomers were the industry standard for "Sport" or "Active" bands due to their durability and resistance to skin oils. However, these materials have come under intense scrutiny. A 2024 study from the University of Notre Dame found that fluoroelastomer smartwatch bands from high-end brands contained PFAS, including PFHxA, which could leach under simulated sweat and skin conditions.
PFAS are linked to severe health issues, including endocrine disruption, immune system suppression, and increased risks of kidney and testicular cancers. Because wearables are marketed as health and wellness tools, the presence of these chemicals in direct contact with the skin creates a fundamental contradiction in product design.
Industry Pressure and Legal Risks
Google is not the first to make this pivot. Samsung previously transitioned to HNBR for its Galaxy Watch 7, setting a technical precedent for the industry. The shift also comes amid rising legal liabilities for manufacturers who stick to fluorinated materials. In 2025, Apple was sued in the Northern District of California over the presence of PFAS in its fluoroelastomer bands, including the Sport, Ocean, and Nike Sport models.
By adopting HNBR, Google removes a potential health hazard from its ecosystem while increasing pressure on other market leaders to follow suit. This transition is a necessary step for a device intended to monitor health and safety, aligning the hardware with the software's wellness goals.
What to Watch
The transition puts Apple in a precarious position, as its primary active bands still rely on fluoroelastomers. Industry analysts will be watching to see if Apple introduces a non-fluorinated alternative in its next hardware cycle to avoid further litigation and health criticisms. While the Pixel Watch 5 now ships with a safer alternative, the broader wearable market remains split between legacy durable plastics and new biocompatible standards.