When it comes to silicone wristbands, we are a firm believer of their ability to be so much than just a wristband to promote a campaign or a brand, and researchers have finally proven us right!
As humans, we are exposed to more than 1,000 environmental chemicals each day, but how would we ever know the true damage we experience? With a silicone wristband, of course!
Recent studies conducted by Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, have shown that the chemicals we are in fact exposed to can be detected with a silicone wristband, providing the wearer with information about the chemical exposure they experience throughout the time they wear the band.
The wristbands are made out of the same material as popular charity and sports brands (exactly like the ones we provide here at Silicone Wristbands Direct), but the material has been slightly modified by scientists to absorb chemicals from the air, water around the person and their skin.
In a study of 30 volunteers who wore the bands for a month, nearly 50 different chemical compounds were picked up within the fibres of the band. The most commonly detected compounds were diethyl phthalate and tonalide, which are found in fragrances and other personal care products or cosmetics. Other compounds that were detected also included pesticides, caffeine, nicotine, flame-retardants and chemicals from various pet flea medicines.
When worn by roof construction workers, the bands detected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) – a group of chemicals that can be produced from the incomplete burning of oil, coat or wood. 12 of the detected PAH compounds are on the Environmental Protection Agency’s priority list of chemicals that are routinely monitored due to health concerns.
In the future, researchers hope that the bands could be used in studies to help link chemicals in the environment to health effects, as it is extremely important to understand how people are affected by the environment, and in return, understanding what our exposures really are.
The bands are currently not available to the public, but continuing studies of various people and social groups are being conducted.
For further information regarding this study, please visit the C&EN website.
Here at Silicone Wristbands Direct, we are proud to be one of the UK’s leading suppliers of quality silicone wristbands, and offer a range of professional design options to provide you with the ideal wristband to suit your requirements! For more information, or to speak to one of our friendly and helpful team – please do not hesitate to contact us on 01524 848 382 today!