Withings · Waterproof Fitness Trackers
Withings ScanWatch Hybrid 38mm Smartwatch with Additional Band
Smartwatch with likely water-repellent treatment; PFAS risk unclear, brand silent.
Withings does not disclose PFAS or waterproof treatment details. Smartwatches often use water-resistant coatings of unknown composition. No public lab testing available.
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Material
stainless steel case, elastomer/silicone 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 ScanWatch Hybrid case is stainless steel, which is chemically inert and does not leach metals under normal use. The band is silicone or elastomer, materials that do not off-gas formaldehyde or release phthalates at skin temperature. The waterproof coating is where PFAS risk concentrates, as many hydrophobic treatments use fluorinated compounds to repel water; Withings has not disclosed whether this coating contains PFAS or safer alternatives. No glazes, enamels, or ceramic coatings are involved in this product.
The brand's record and disclosure
Withings is a health-focused hardware manufacturer (owned by Nokia) with no established history of chemical safety transparency or third-party safety certifications in product materials. The company has not published material composition disclosures, restricted substance lists, or PFAS policies. No recalls or safety incidents related to chemical leaching have been publicly reported for ScanWatch models. Absence of disclosure does not confirm safety but limits independent verification of coating composition.
How it compares in its category
Smartwatches as a category carry minimal chemical hazards because they do not contact food, involve heating, or use complex coatings like cookware or furniture. The ScanWatch's stainless steel and silicone construction is standard and safer than watches with cheaper zinc alloy or plated cases that can corrode and release metal ions. Most smartwatches use similar waterproof treatments, so PFAS uncertainty is industry-wide rather than brand-specific.
If you buy it
Rinse the band regularly with fresh water and mild soap to remove sweat and skin oils that can degrade elastomer over time. Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat (saunas, direct sun for hours) as extreme temperatures may affect the waterproof coating's integrity. The band may show wear within 1-2 years of daily use and should be replaced when cracks appear; Withings sells replacement bands separately. If the waterproof seal fails, remove the watch from water until serviced to prevent short circuits.
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
Hydrophobic treatment on stainless steel back and potentially case edges likely uses fluorinated compounds; Withings' silence on coating chemistry prevents confirmation. No direct skin contact route is significant, but coating degradation over years could theoretically release particles.
Elastomer/silicone band degradation
Silicone and elastomer do not off-gas phthalates or volatile organics at body temperature. Degradation over time (2-3 years) may produce microparticles, but no health incidents have been reported for smartwatch bands.
Stainless steel nickel content
Stainless steel contains nickel (typically 7-12%), which can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals after prolonged skin contact. Direct contact is limited because the band isolates the case from skin, but allergy risk remains for those with known nickel sensitivity.
Battery and electronics toxicity
Lithium-ion batteries and circuit boards are sealed inside the case and not in contact with skin or ingestion routes. No hazard is documented for ScanWatch electronics under normal use.
Waterproof seal failure pathway
If the waterproof seal fails due to damage or age, water ingress could cause electrical short or corrode internal components, but this is a mechanical failure, not a chemical hazard.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 45% 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.