Coros · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
COROS Pace 3 GPS Sport Watch
Sports watch with waterproof treatment; PFAS disclosure lacking, moderate concern.
COROS does not publicly disclose PFAS content or water-resistance coating chemistry. Waterproof electronics typically use water-repellent coating treatments that may contain PFAS, but no lab data or brand claims available for this model.
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Material
Stainless steel case, plastic band, waterproof resin coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Waterproof / stain-resistant treatment
water-repellent coating treatments have historically used PFAS.
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
The Pace 3 case is stainless steel, which is chemically stable and does not leach metals under normal wear. The plastic band (likely polyurethane or silicone elastomer) is not formulated to contact food or skin at elevated temperatures, reducing leaching risk from that polymer alone. The waterproof resin coating on the case and electronics is the material of concern: water-resistance in sports watches typically requires fluorinated compounds or silicone-based hydrophobic treatments, and COROS has not publicly disclosed which chemistry is used here.
The brand's record and disclosure
COROS, a Chinese sports-watch manufacturer, does not publish material safety data sheets, PFAS transparency statements, or third-party chemical certifications for any product line. The company has not responded to industry inquiries about fluorinated water-repellent coatings. This silence is notable because competitors like Garmin have begun voluntary PFAS phase-out commitments. No recalls or documented contamination incidents specific to COROS watches are on record.
How it compares in its category
Sports watches as a category rely on waterproof coatings that frequently contain PFAS; most manufacturers (Apple, Garmin, Suunto) do not disclose coating chemistry. COROS is typical in this regard. The Pace 3 avoids leather, fur, or textile components that might harbor dyes or flame retardants. Its stainless steel construction is more chemically inert than aluminum bodies used in some budget competitors.
If you buy it
Clean the band monthly with mild soap and water to prevent bacterial growth in seams; do not immerse in hot water above 40C as this could degrade the elastomer or activate resin coatings. Store away from direct sunlight and heat sources to minimize off-gassing of coating additives. The watch is designed for 10-year lifespan; plan for band replacement every 2-3 years if worn daily. If the coating becomes visibly cracked or flakes, discontinue water-resistant use and consider replacement to avoid internal corrosion.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
PFAS in waterproof coating
Waterproof resin coatings on sports watches commonly contain fluorinated compounds or legacy PFAS. COROS provides zero transparency on chemistry or fluorine-free alternatives, making this the primary chemical concern for this product.
Plastic band degradation and leaching
Polyurethane or elastomer bands can degrade under UV exposure or sweat exposure over 2-3 years, potentially releasing polymer fragments or plasticizer residues. This is gradual wear, not acute toxicity, but contact with skin is continuous.
Coating off-gassing
Waterproof resin coatings and any adhesives used in assembly may off-gas volatile organic compounds (VOCs) during initial use or when stored in warm environments. Ventilation during unboxing and storage at cool temperatures minimize exposure.
Lead or cadmium in stainless steel or solder
Stainless steel casing is not a source of lead or cadmium leaching. No documented contamination in COROS products. Electronics solder typically uses lead-free formulations in modern devices, but COROS does not publish specifications.
Nickel in stainless steel
Stainless steel cases contain 8-12% nickel. For individuals with nickel sensitivity, prolonged skin contact with the case or band attachment points can trigger dermatitis. This is a known limitation of metal sports watches, not specific to COROS.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 55% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings
BeamO 3-in-1 Health MultiScan
Medical-grade stainless steel, plastic housing, medical sensors
Medical device with inherently low PFAS risk profile.
✓Naturally PFAS-free material
Whoop
Peak Health and Fitness Wearable 12-Month Membership
silicone band, electronics, stainless steel hardware
Wearable membership with minimal PFAS risk indicators.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Whoop
MG Navigator Band
Elastomer band (silicone-based or similar)
Lower concern fitness band, but brand silence on materials limits certainty.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof fitness trackers grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.