Fitbit Air and the Unexpected Threat from Insect Spray
Introduction to Fitbit Air and Early Launch Issues
At its launch, Google's Fitbit Air faced various challenges, especially for some of its users. Nevertheless, the device remained an attractive alternative compared to similar products from Whoop. Like many new devices, many users were not fully aware of the risks that could damage their gadgets. In a shared experience on Reddit, a user named le_cs suffered significant loss due to this lack of awareness.
The Incident That Destroyed a Fitbit Air
In the post, le_cs explained how he sprayed insect repellent on his clothes before going hiking. Unfortunately, the spray then came into contact with his Fitbit Air and caused damage to the device's plastic. This was reported by Phandroid, which revealed that the active ingredient in the spray, DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide), was the main cause of the damage.
DEET and Its Impact on Plastic
DEET is widely known as a common ingredient in insect repellent products. However, many people do not realize that DEET can pose a risk of damaging certain materials, including plastic. The affected user stated that Google classified the damage as “environmental” and denied the warranty claim he submitted. Although discoloration of the plastic might not be sufficient grounds for replacement, the user reported that the device’s sensor became “too cloudy.” This naturally resulted in inaccurate readings of tracked activities.
Community Warnings and Precautionary Steps
Several other Fitbit Air owners have also expressed similar concerns on Reddit, serving as a warning for other owners to avoid products containing DEET before outdoor activities. Although Fitbit’s Product Care page advises against using insect repellent sprays, the safety guidelines and regulations for Fitbit Air do not explicitly mention this. However, it is important to remember that products containing DEET can affect plastics, and this is knowledge that users should be more aware of.
Conclusion: Protect Your Fitbit Air
If you have recently purchased a Fitbit Air, it is crucial to keep your device safe from exposure to harmful substances such as sunscreen or insect repellent sprays. While Fitbit’s support pages do not specifically mention DEET, they recommend avoiding direct contact with such products. By following this advice, you can minimize the risk of damage to your device and ensure your Fitbit Air functions well for a long time.
Source: https://www.androidauthority.com/google-fitbit-air-bug-spray-3680383/
