Withings · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings ScanWatch 2
Smartwatch with waterproofing; PFAS risk unclear without material specs.
Withings does not disclose PFAS details for this smartwatch. Waterproof electronics often use PFAS coatings, but band material and specific treatment remain unspecified.
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Material
Stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, silicone/fluoroelastomer band
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 ScanWatch 2 case is stainless steel (chemically inert, does not leach) with a sapphire crystal face (resistant to scratching and degradation). The band is silicone or fluoroelastomer, both synthetic rubbers chosen for water resistance and skin contact safety. None of these materials are known to off-gas volatile organic compounds or degrade into harmful monomers under normal wrist-wear conditions.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings has not published detailed material disclosures, chemical certifications (such as OEKO-TEX or bluesign), or formal statements addressing PFAS in waterproofing treatments. The company does not advertise third-party toxicology testing of finished products. No recalls or safety warnings specific to the ScanWatch 2 or similar wearables from Withings are on public record for leaching or toxic off-gassing.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatches typically use the same material palette (stainless steel, sapphire, silicone bands). The ScanWatch 2 is positioned in the fitness-health segment; competitors like Garmin and Apple use identical construction without disclosed PFAS mitigation. No established safety advantage or disadvantage versus mainstream alternatives in material composition.
If you buy it
Rinse the band with fresh water after saltwater or chlorinated swimming to prevent residue buildup and skin irritation. Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat (>60 degrees Celsius), which could theoretically accelerate any surface treatments, though sapphire and stainless steel are stable at normal use temperatures. Replace the silicone band if visible cracking, stickiness, or odor develops; bands are typically inexpensive and readily available. No special cleaning agents required; mild soap and water suffice.
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 waterproofing coatings
Smartwatch waterproofing (5ATM on ScanWatch 2) commonly relies on PFAS-based Teflon-family coating or water-repellent surface treatments. Withings has not disclosed the specific compounds used. Dermal absorption from a wrist-worn device is considered minimal, but chronic low-level exposure potential exists.
Silicone/fluoroelastomer band degradation and leaching
Silicone and fluoroelastomer bands are considered physiologically inert under normal wear. No peer-reviewed reports or recalls document leaching of monomers or plasticizers from these materials into skin or sweat under body temperature (around 37°C).
Nickel in stainless steel contact allergy
The case is stainless steel, which typically contains 8-12% nickel. Individuals with nickel sensitivity may experience localized contact dermatitis where the case back touches skin. Withings does not specify if the case is surgical-grade (lower nickel) or if a protective coating is used.
Heavy metals in electronic components (cadmium, lead)
The ScanWatch 2 is subject to EU RoHS Directive (restricting lead, cadmium, mercury) as a distributed electronic device. No testing data is publicly available, but compliance is legally assumed for sale in major markets. Exposure risk is negligible given no direct ingestion or leaching pathway.
Volatile organic compound (VOC) off-gassing from glues or adhesives
Internal adhesives bonding the case and electronic components are not disclosed. Smartwatches do not typically exhibit odor or off-gassing at wrist temperature; no reports of chemical smell or respiratory irritation linked to ScanWatch 2 use are documented.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 42% 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.