In a groundbreaking examine spearheaded by the buyer advocacy group Mamavation, alarming ranges of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), generally known as ‘ceaselessly chemical compounds’, have been found in widely-used bandage manufacturers, together with Band-Help.
PFAS, recognized for his or her persistence within the setting and in human our bodies, have been linked to a slew of well being points, together with most cancers, immune system disruption, and reproductive issues.
Mamavation’s inquiry into the presence of PFAS in bandages was carried out in partnership with Environmental Well being Information and acquired scientific validation from notable specialists corresponding to Terrence Collins of Carnegie Mellon College and Linda S. Birnbaum, former director of the Nationwide Institute of Environmental Well being Sciences. The examine entailed sending 40 bandages from 18 completely different manufacturers to an EPA-certified laboratory to check for the presence of PFAS.
The outcomes have been alarming: 65% of the examined bandages contained detectable ranges of PFAS, with concentrations starting from 11 to 328 components per million (ppm).
Significantly regarding was the invention that 63% of bandages marketed in direction of “individuals of coloration” contained these hazardous chemical compounds.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have lengthy been used for his or her oil-resistant, grease-resistant, and waterproof properties, in accordance with the FDA. Whereas they’re recognized for his or her sturdiness, their presence in on a regular basis gadgets has develop into a significant concern as a consequence of their potential hyperlink to quite a few well being points.
Bandages with PFAS:
- Band-Help Versatile Material Comfy Safety Bandages (older pattern, seemingly 7-8 years outdated, not stocked in shops): 188 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad. Observe: Verify for older Band-Aids in your cupboard.
- Band-Help OURTONE Versatile Material BR45 Bandages: 262 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad.
- Band-Help OURTONE Versatile Material BR55 Bandages: 250 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad.
- Band-Help OURTONE Versatile Material BR65 Bandages: 260 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pads and 374 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product examined confirmed 169 ppm on the absorbent pad.
- Care Science Antibacterial Versatile Material Adhesive Bandages: 328 ppm natural fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
- Curad Assorted Bandages 4-Sided Seal: 140 ppm natural fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
- CVS Well being C60 Versatile Material Antibacterial Bandages: 201 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad.
- CVS Well being C70 Versatile Material Sterile Bandages: 124 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad and 272 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product examined confirmed 156 ppm within the absorbent pad.
- CVS Well being C80 Versatile Material Antibacterial Bandages: 128 ppm natural fluorine within the absorbent pad.
- Equate (Walmart) Versatile Material Bandages Antibacterial: 118 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad and 165 ppm on the sticky flaps.
- Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Material (darkest shade): 197 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad and 251 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product examined was 183 ppm on the absorbent pad.
- Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Material (medium to darkish shade): 112 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad. (Matches black and brown pores and skin tones)
- Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Material (medium to mild shade): 120 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad. (Matches black and brown pores and skin tones)
- First Honey Manuka Bandages: 157 ppm natural fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
- Ceremony Help First Help Superior Antibacterial Material Adhesive Bandages: 101 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad and 181 ppm on the sticky flaps.
- Solimo (Amazon Model) Versatile Material Adhesive Bandages: 104 ppm natural fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
- UP & UP (Goal) Versatile Material Bandages: 256 ppm natural fluorine on the absorbent pad and 253 ppm on the sticky flaps.
Linda Birnbaum, a famend toxicologist and Scholar in Residence at Duke College, expressed her concern over the findings.
“As a result of bandages are positioned upon open wounds, it’s troubling to study that they could be additionally exposing youngsters and adults to PFAS. It’s apparent from the information that PFAS will not be wanted for wound care, so it’s vital that the business take away their presence to guard the general public from PFAS and decide as an alternative for PFAS-free supplies,” she mentioned.
The well being results linked to PFAS publicity are substantial. These embody:
- Discount in immunity
- Diminished vaccination response
- Elevated threat of allergic reactions & bronchial asthma in younger youngsters
- Affected progress, studying, and conduct of infants and older youngsters
- Improve levels of cholesterol
- Metabolic illnesses like weight problems & diabetes
- Heart problems
- Lowered a lady’s likelihood of getting pregnant
- Lowered male fertility
- Elevated threat of kidney & testicular cancers
- Causes endocrine disruption
- Disrupted regular thyroid operate
- Will increase threat of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in youngsters
Different industries recognized to make use of PFAS embody textiles, meals packaging, private care merchandise, cookware, and even firefighting foams. The ever present nature of PFAS chemical compounds means they’re discovered within the blood of just about all Individuals, making widespread publicity a major public well being concern.
Learn extra of the studies here.