TomTom · Waterproof Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
TomTom Runner Cardio GPS Watch
Unknown waterproofing chemistry; no brand disclosure on PFAS.
GPS sports watches typically use water-resistant coatings that may contain PFAS, but TomTom provides no material transparency. Public data insufficient to assess this model's specific coating chemistry.
The safe swap
Swatch
Swatch Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
85/100 safety
Same rubric that flunked this product. The swap earned its B.
Still want this one anyway? Check the price on Amazon. We’d swap it.
Material
Polymer case, elastomer band, waterproof 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 TomTom Runner Cardio uses a polymer case (likely polycarbonate or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) with an elastomer band (rubber or synthetic polymer blend). The waterproof coating is the primary concern since waterproofing in sports watches commonly relies on fluorinated compounds (PFAS) to repel moisture and sweat. Polymer cases and elastomer bands themselves do not typically leach harmful substances during normal wear, but degradation over time or exposure to heat/sweat can affect coating integrity.
The brand's record and disclosure
TomTom has not published specific material composition or PFAS-use disclosures for consumer devices. The company maintains no visible sustainability or chemical transparency standards on its website for fitness watches. This silence is consistent with the broader sports-watch industry, where waterproofing chemistry is rarely disclosed to end-users. No major recalls or chemical safety incidents have been publicly documented for this model.
How it compares in its category
Sports watches typically use similar polymer-and-elastomer constructions with waterproof coatings of undisclosed composition. Competitors like Garmin, Fitbit, and Apple also do not routinely disclose PFAS use in wearables. This product sits squarely in the mainstream: no better or worse than peers in terms of chemical transparency. Some manufacturers (e.g., Patagonia in apparel) have begun phasing fluorinated waterproofing, but this remains rare in the sports-watch segment.
If you buy it
Rinse the band regularly with fresh water after sweat exposure to minimize coating degradation and skin irritation. Avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures above 60°C (140°F), which can weaken elastomer and polymer bonds. Replace the band if visible cracking, peeling, or discoloration occurs, as compromised coatings may fail waterproof seals. Store in a cool, dry place when not in use to extend polymer and elastomer lifespan.
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.”
Undisclosed waterproofing chemistry (likely fluorinated compounds)
Sports watches require durable water repellency; TomTom has not disclosed whether its waterproof coating contains PFAS or PFAS alternatives. No test data is publicly available for this specific model.
Elastomer band degradation and skin contact
Synthetic elastomer bands can degrade when exposed to sweat, sunscreen, or cleaning products over time. Degradation particles may accumulate on skin, though no toxicity is established for typical elastomer formulations in sports watches.
Polymer off-gassing in high-temperature storage
Polycarbonate and ABS cases pose minimal off-gassing risk at room temperature. Risk remains theoretical only if stored near heat sources (above 60°C) for extended periods; no incidents reported for this product.
Microplastic release from band wear
Elastomer bands shed micro-particles during normal flexing and rubbing against skin. Quantity is typically negligible for a single watch, but cumulative microplastic release from worn bands has not been quantified by TomTom.
Heavy metals in electronic components (nickel, cobalt)
GPS watch electronics contain standard circuit board materials that may include trace nickel or cobalt. Direct skin contact through the case is unlikely, but users with metal sensitivity should test fitment. No allergen disclosures are published by TomTom.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 35% 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 Smartwatches & Fitness Trackers
Swatch
Chrono 42 Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, mineral/plastic crystal, standard watch components
Lower concern. Standard watch materials pose minimal PFAS risk.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
SEA WASP
Plastic/resin watch case and strap
Typical consumer watch, no known PFAS risk signal identified
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
Swatch
Neon Seppia Big Bold Chrono Quartz Watch
Stainless steel case, plastic/resin band, mineral or acrylic crystal
Lower concern. Standard watch materials typically lack intentional PFAS use.
⚠Brand says nothing about PFAS
More waterproof smartwatches & 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.