Smartwatches accompany us 24 hours a day – they monitor sleep, count steps and make sure we move more. They spend more time on our wrists than any other electronic device. Should we worry about this?
Radiation? It's a myth
Let's start with the good news – all these scary videos that show “dangerous” readings from smartwatch meters are a scam. Smart watches use the same technologies as phones or radio – waves with non-ionizing frequencies, which they do not have enough energy to harm the body.
Where is the real problem?
It turns out that the real threat is much more mundane. According to research conducted by Florida Atlantic University, as many as 95% of smartwatch straps harbor dangerous bacteria. Staphylococcus was detected in most of them, and E. coli bacteria were found in 60%. Worse still, almost a third of the strips showed traces of bacteria that can cause pneumonia.
Not every bar is equally dangerous
The material the belt is made of is crucial. The worst results were the fabric straps, which are difficult to clean thoroughly. Plastic and rubber belts perform slightly better. The least amount of bacteria accumulates on metal bracelets.
What does this mean for users?
Instead of fearing radiation, it is worth focusing on regular cleaning of the smartwatch. This is especially important over time heatwave and after training, when sweat and moisture create ideal conditions for the development of bacteria.
Despite everything, of course it is not worth giving up the smartwatch. These devices have enormous medical potential – they can detect abnormalities in… work heart rate, monitor levels oxygen in the blood or even help diagnose health problems faster. The key is simply proper hygiene.