Chemical tracking wristbands are silicone bands designed to absorb and detect chemicals from the environment that people are exposed to through air and skin contact. They work by replicating human skin's ability to absorb chemicals, capturing a variety of substances, especially those linked to plastics and semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), such as flame retardants, pesticides, and plasticizers. The wristbands are non-invasive and simple to use, requiring no blood or urine tests. After being worn for several days, the wristbands are analyzed in a lab to identify up to dozens of chemicals absorbed over the wear period. These devices make invisible chemical exposures visible and provide valuable data for research on environmental chemical exposure and related health effects.
Key points about chemical tracking wristbands:
- Made of biocompatible, porous silicone that absorbs environmental chemicals.
- Can detect chemicals like flame retardants, pesticides, and plastic additives.
- Used for research to estimate individual chemical exposure without invasive methods.
- Lab analysis releases and measures the chemicals absorbed by the silicone.
- Help link chemical exposure to health outcomes and inform public health policies.
Thus, chemical tracking wristbands are advanced, wearable tools for monitoring the presence and extent of chemical pollutants humans encounter in daily life in a non-invasive manner.
