Certain Samsung Galaxy Watch Wristbands Contain Toxic PFAS, Class Action Lawsuit Alleges

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A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed over the alleged use of harmful “forever chemicals” in certain Samsung Galaxy Watch wristbands.

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According to the 72-page lawsuit, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Fluoroelastomer Band, Sport Band (20-millimeter), Sport T-Buckle Band, Rugged Sport Band, Extreme Sport T-Buckle Band and D-Buckle Hybrid Eco-Leather Band have been found to contain excessive levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The complaint stresses that PFAS are toxic to the environment and have been linked to several types of cancer, decreased fertility, liver damage and other adverse health effects.

“PFAS are synthetic, long-lasting chemicals of industry, the components of which break down very slowly over time,” the suit says. “Their inability to break down, combined with their potential to accumulate in people, animals, and the environment over time, earned them the ominous name, ‘forever chemicals.’”

The case further argues that, due to the presence of toxic PFAS in the wristbands, defendant Samsung Electronics America, Inc. has misleadingly promoted its smartwatches with a marketing campaign that focuses on health, well-being and environmental sustainability. Indeed, the filing relays, Samsung invites consumers to “start their wellness journey” with its smartwatches and touts its management of hazardous and chemical substances in its products.

“The elevated levels of PFAS present in these Products are particularly hazardous given the intended prolonged and direct skin contact and continuous wearing of [Samsung’s] Products—all day or all night, every day—as directed by [the defendant] to monitor consumers’ health, wellness, and sleep,” the complaint notes. “The intended wearing of the watches on the underside of the wrist, combined with body heat and thin layer of skin, makes these toxic chemicals particularly prone to absorption.”

Per the filing, consumers would not have purchased the Galaxy Watch bands, or would not have paid as much for them, had they known the products contained dangerous levels of PFAS.

The lawsuit looks to represent anyone in the United States who, within the applicable statute of limitations period, purchased the Samsung Galaxy Watch wristbands mentioned above for purposes other than resale.

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