Harmful ‘forever chemicals’ found in Band-Aids allowing direct blood contact

Bandages from brands such as Band-Aid and Curad have been found to contain dangerous levels of toxic “forever chemicals,” allowing direct contact with the bloodstream through open wounds, according to a new report.

Of the 40 bandages from 18 different brands tested by environmental health and consumer watchdog Mamavation and Environmental Health News, 26 had detectable levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of harmful “forever chemicals,” also known as PFAS.

“Because bandages are placed upon open wounds, it’s troubling to learn that they may be also exposing children and adults to PFAS,” Dr. Linda S. Birnbaum, who co-authored the study, said. “It’s obvious from the data that PFAS are not needed for wound care, so it’s important that the industry remove their presence to protect the public from PFAS and opt instead for PFAS-free materials.”

Birnbaum is also the former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program.

According to Mamavation, the PFAS bandages are likely used for their waterproof qualities.

PFAS chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been linked to a variety of health concerns related to growth, reproduction, obesity, and different cancers. They are synthetic chemicals that were created as resistant to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water and are used in products such as adhesives, nonstick cookware, and food packaging.

They have obtained the moniker “forever chemicals” because they are highly resistant to degradation and can remain in the human body for years. The chemicals can enter the bloodstream through consumption or direct contact and embed in healthy tissue and start damaging organs.

While the study looked at many brands, those with bandages containing higher levels of fluorine, at above 100 parts per million, included Band-Aid, CVS Health, Equate, Rite Aid, Amazon’s Solimo, Target, Curad, and others.

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PFAS chemicals have also seeped into much of the nation’s water supply, with the U.S. Geological Survey finding traces of the chemicals in nearly half of the tap water sources in the country last summer. That study accounted for both municipal and private sources.

Mamavation has also found the chemicals in various other places, including menstruation products, contact lenses, diapers, sports bras, and deodorants.