A group of researchers at Oregon State University recently launched a Kickstarter campaign for a bracelet that can detect exposure to toxic chemicals. The idea behind the project is to have citizens wear the bracelets so that scientists can begin collecting data about how chemical exposure may affect our overall health.
The bracelet is called 'MyExposome' and it is modeled on the same design as traditional silicone bracelets. The bracelets mimic biological cell membranes and work by absorbing the various chemicals in our environment, such as pesticides, fragrances, personal care products and more. In fact, the bracelet can detect over 1,400 different chemical compounds.
Currently, the MyExposome bracelet is being used to monitor everyday exposure to toxic chemicals such as personal care products and household cleaning supplies. However, the hope is to eventually hand the bracelets out to farmers in West Africa to give them a means of understanding how exposure to pesticides and agricultural chemicals may be impacting their health.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Chemical-sensing Bracelets
- Wearable technology that detects exposure to toxic chemicals.
- Data Collection for Health Research
- Using wearable devices to collect data on the impact of chemical exposure on overall health.
- Environmental Monitoring
- Bracelets that help monitor and track chemical compounds in our surroundings.
Where This Applies
- Healthcare
- The healthcare industry can utilize chemical-sensing bracelets to gain insights into the impact of toxic chemical exposure on human health.
- Agriculture
- The agriculture industry can benefit from chemical-sensing bracelets for farmers to understand the health implications of pesticide and agricultural chemical exposure.
- Wearable Technology
- The wearable technology industry can explore the development of advanced chemical-sensing bracelets for tracking environmental toxins and personal exposure.
