Technology is all around us and, to a large extent, drives our lifestyle. From the moment we wake up to the second we fall asleep, there are devices within arm’s reach that make our lives more convenient. We rely on gadgets to stay connected, track fitness, manage schedules, monitor sleep patterns, count calorie intake/burning, and much more.
So it’s no surprise that wearable technology is not just participating in, but shaping the sports and lifestyle domain. Among them, smartwatches stand out as the go-to choice for many people who wish to focus on a healthy lifestyle. They are more than just timepieces; they are like mini assistants on our wrists.
But with the growing popularity of smartwatch brands, an important question arises – are smartwatches safe to use, or do they cause any harm?
In this blog, we will discuss some of the health and security concerns related to smartwatches. We will also provide certain tips on how to be mindful while using them.
Tech-Trend on Our Wrists: Are Smartwatches Safe?
The versatility of smartwatches – from tracking fitness and health to communication and entertainment – has made them one of the incredibly popular devices. They offer numerous useful features, functionality, and convenience, making them a perfect addition to any wardrobe.
According to the Facts and Factors report, the global smartwatch market is expected to surpass $97.5 billion by 2028.
In their recent July 2024 report, Statista Research Department stated that the number of smartwatch users worldwide is projected to continuously increase between 2024 and 2029 by 285.8 million users, indicating around +62.86% growth.
With built-in sensors, smartwatches can monitor physiological parameters, such as:
- electrocardiogram (ECG)
- blood oxygen saturation levels
- fall detection
- pulse rate
- body temperature
- stress levels
- blood pressure
- calorie count, and more.
Here are a few more reasons to buy a smartwatch and enjoy all the benefits it has to offer.
Research and studies are being conducted to determine if there will be more improvements in the future. Some of the leading smartwatch companies worldwide are:
- Apple
- Samsung
- Fitbit (acquired by Google)
- Garmin
- Fossil
- Huawei
Smartwatch Safety Concerns and Facts
There are many health concerns related to smartwatches, but there is no strong scientific evidence available to support a lot of claims. Additionally, since smartwatches collect user data and connect to Bluetooth or the internet, they are prone to many security breaches.
Let us understand these concerns in more detail.
Health Considerations: EMF Radiation in Smartwatches
- Generally speaking, an electromagnetic field (EMF) or EMF radiation is a type of energy that exists all around us. It occurs naturally – sunlight or lightning – or as man-made, such as Wi-Fi routers, gaming consoles, cell towers, Bluetooth devices, smart gadgets, microwave ovens, etc.
- There are thousands of research articles stating that smartwatches do emit non-ionizing radiation, which is supposed to be safe for humans. EMF is measured in microWatts per meter (µW/m²), and the level between 0.1 to 10 µW/m² is considered safe. Over the past few decades, extensive research has been done to study the effects of EMFs on the human body.
- Though smartwatches are generally safe to wear, it is best to use them only during exercising, walking, or other fitness activities.
- If you or your family member has a pacemaker or other implanted devices, it is advisable to consult a doctor before using a smartwatch. The reason is some smartwatches use bioimpedance technology, which may interfere with the functions of medically inserted devices.
Physical Health Risks: Skin Problems
One of the common noticeable problems is skin irritation due to prolonged use of smartwatches.
- The tight band of the watch may cause friction against your skin and cause redness, itching, and irritation.
- If you wear it continuously during heavy workouts, the excess sweat on the underbelly of the watch face may lead to heat rashes.
- Another interesting fact to note here is that sometimes, the skin irritation may be due to an allergic reaction. That’s right! The potential allergens in smartwatches are nickel, rubber, silicone, or latex. Some people may recognize the skin allergy early, while for others, it may start hours or even days later.
Security Risks: Data Privacy and Cybersecurity
Security is another major concern related to smart gadgets. Most wearable devices collect user data and exchange it with a third-party vendor, which opens the door for data breaches. The lack of control over the datasets collected by the smartwatch companies makes people hesitant to adopt the tech.
In 2021, Apple and Fitbit users’ data was leaked online, compromising over 61 million records related to wearable devices, like smartwatches and other fitness trackers.
So, what about smartwatch safety, and where is all your data stored?
- Most smartwatches connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and sync everything – GPS location, call records, health parameters, etc.
- This data is then sent to third parties for data storage, processing, and analysis, which generates a weak point for successful cyber attacks.
- Bluetooth connections can also be a vulnerable point if not secured properly.
Quick Tips for Smartwatch Safety
Before you ask yourself, ‘are smartwatches safe,’ go through these simple tips and learn how to use them safely:
- Wear the watch loosely to avoid skin irritation, rashes, or itching.
- Take regular breaks from wearing it. This will help limit your exposure to the continuously emitting radiation. Although to be fair, the radiation from a smartwatch is so far known to be entirely safe.
- Avoid cheap smartwatches as they may be fake. Buy them only from trusted and reputed tech brands in the market.
- Read all the guidelines carefully before purchasing, and do not fall prey to false claims. For example, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clarified that it has not authorized or approved any smartwatches that claim to measure or estimate blood sugar levels.
- Protecting your smartphone is just as important as securing the smartwatch. Update software regularly to fix security issues or bugs.
- Block unauthorized Bluetooth pairing on your smartwatch.
- Enable two-factor authentication for connected apps. Different smartwatches may offer different protection layers, which you may have to explore and understand.
Future Developments in Smartwatches
Smartwatches already offer a range of futuristic features. There is still room for improvement and the next-gen wearable device will be more advanced.
We can expect to see improved features like:
- Long-lasting battery life
- Powerful processors for speed and performance
- Flexible display technology
- Improved and more accurate biometric sensing
- Augmented Reality (AR) integration
- Blockchain tech-based smartwatch (e.g.: FitMint Wear PRO)
- Enhanced smartwatch safety and security measures
The Bottomline
Unlike traditional watches, wearable devices like smartwatches are designed for more than just telling time. They sync with your smartphone to deliver calls and notifications, track health parameters, and even offer GPS connection. Though there are lots of benefits, people still wonder: are smartwatches safe and secure? This is because they are vulnerable to security breaches and certain health concerns. While traditional watches focus on style, smartwatches are all about tech-driven convenience. The smartwatch market is growing tremendously and is poised to unravel more innovations and features in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do smartwatches cause cancer?
Even though smartwatch safety related to health is quite debatable, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified non-ionizing EMFs as group 2B – a potential carcinogen (cancer-causing agent) in humans. It is advisable to limit the use of screen time on smart gadgets or the continuous use of smartwatches as much as possible.
Can my smartwatch be hacked?
Yes, smartwatches are vulnerable to hacking (though not common) if the security measures are not stringent. Some potential risks include phishing, unauthorized access, and data interception.
How can I reduce skin irritation from smartwatch?
If you feel the smartwatch is causing skin irritation, wear the watch a little loose. Avoid using it continuously throughout the day and keep the wrist skin clean and dry, as much as possible.
Are smartwatches safe for kids?
Though smartwatches are safe for kids, it is best to use them with parental control. It raises an immense risk of privacy concerns for kids. However, it helps parents to track the whereabouts of their kids and is a good option for those who aren’t quite ready for smartphones yet.
