Innovation of the week: Toxin-detecting wearable
Ever wonder what toxins you are exposed to on a daily basis?

Ever wonder what toxins you are exposed to on a daily basis? A new wristband will tell you, said Adele Peters in Fast Company. MyExposome is made of a special material that acts like a sponge for chemicals, such as pesticides, endocrine disrupters, and flame retardants. Users wear the wristband for a week and then ship it to MyExposome's lab, where it is analyzed for more than 1,400 different toxins.
The wristband takes its name from the "exposome," a concept used to describe "all the things we're exposed to throughout our lives." Besides providing personal test results, the company hopes to track broader patterns, such as which chemicals are most common in certain neighborhoods and cities. In a small pilot screening, MyExposome discovered that "almost everyone was exposed to at least one flame retardant and one pesticide" on a regular basis.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
JW Marriott Khao Lak Resort & Spa: beachfront paradise in Thailand
The Week Recommends This luxury resort in Phang Nga is the perfect place to relax and unwind
-
Selfies ban in art galleries: a sign of the times?
Talking Point Priceless art has been damaged by visitors desperate to take a snap with star attractions, leading some galleries and museums to start fighting back
-
Quiz of The Week: 21 – 27 June
Have you been paying attention to The Week's news?