Fitbit · Waterproof Fitness Trackers & Cases
StrapsCo Active Protective Case Strap for Fitbit Charge 5
Lower concern. Silicone strap unlikely to contain PFAS, but brand offers no disclosure.
Charge 5 straps are typically silicone or rubber elastomers with lower PFAS risk than treated textiles or Teflon-family coating coatings. Fitbit provides no public PFAS statement.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
silicone or elastomer strap, likely no intentional PFAS coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Bacterial or fungal growth (skin contact surface)
Silicone wrist straps trap sweat and dead skin cells. Poor hygiene or infrequent washing can promote microbial colonization, particularly in warm climates. This is a hygiene concern, not a material toxicity issue.
Skin irritation or contact dermatitis
Some individuals report mild irritation from silicone wristband wear, though this is uncommon and usually reversible. No specific allergen or irritant has been identified in StrapsCo straps. Pre-existing sensitive skin or latex allergy is not relevant because silicone is not latex.
Material degradation and microplastic shedding
Lower-cost silicone or elastomer blends may degrade more rapidly and shed particles after years of flexing and UV exposure. No microplastic shedding has been documented for StrapsCo straps specifically, but replacement after 1-2 years of heavy daily use is prudent.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Phthalates
Silicone formulations used in medical-grade and consumer wearables do not typically contain phthalates or BPA. No leaching has been reported for silicone fitness tracker straps under normal use.
Source, ATSDR ↗Off-gassing or volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions
High-quality silicone has minimal VOC content. Some new silicone products may have a faint odor on first use, which dissipates after washing. This is not indicative of hazardous off-gassing.
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
This is a silicone or synthetic elastomer replacement strap for the Fitbit Charge 5 tracker. Silicone is an inert polymer that resists degradation and leaching under normal skin-contact conditions. Unlike PVC or cheaper plastics, silicone does not typically release plasticizers (phthalates) or BPA into sweat or heat. The material is chosen specifically for wearables because it adheres well to skin and withstands repeated flexing without cracking.
The brand's record and disclosure
Fitbit (owned by Google since 2021) does not publish detailed material safety data sheets or third-party certifications for accessory straps. The company has no known recalls or safety warnings specific to this strap model. Fitbit's parent company has faced scrutiny over data privacy and device safety in other product lines, but no chemical hazard incidents have been established for wearable straps. Overall transparency on materials is typical for consumer wearables but below best-practice disclosure standards.
How it compares in its category
Replacement watch and fitness tracker straps are a high-competition category with many silicone options from third-party makers. StrapsCo is a mid-tier brand with a neutral safety profile; no major incidents have been reported. Compared to cheaper elastomer straps, silicone is more durable and less prone to odor or degradation. Official Fitbit straps and reputable third-party silicone alternatives present similar low chemical risk.
If you buy it
Wash the strap regularly with soap and water to prevent bacterial or fungal growth in the underside where it contacts skin. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as silicone can harden over years of UV exposure, though this does not typically release harmful chemicals. Replace the strap if you notice cracks, stickiness, or persistent odor that cleaning does not resolve. Store unused straps in a cool, dry place away from strong solvents or oils.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Fitbit has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
More waterproof fitness trackers & cases 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.