‘Forever Chemicals’ That Directly Contact Open Wounds Detected in Band-Aids

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.

Particularly concerning was the discovery that 63% of bandages marketed towards “people of color” contained these hazardous chemicals.

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have long been used for their oil-resistant, grease-resistant, and water-resistant properties, according to the FDA. While they are known for their durability, their presence in everyday items has become a major concern due to their potential link to numerous health issues.

Bandages with PFAS:

• Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Comfortable Protection Bandages (older sample, likely 7-8 years old, not available in stores): 188 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad. Note: Check for older Band-Aids in your cabinet.
• Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR45 Bandages: 262 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad.
• Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR55 Bandages: 250 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad.
• Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR65 Bandages: 260 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pads and 374 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product tested showed 169 ppm on the absorbent pad.
• Care Science Antibacterial Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages: 328 ppm organic fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
• Curad Assorted Bandages 4-Sided Seal: 140 ppm organic fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
• CVS Health C60 Flexible Fabric Antibacterial Bandages: 201 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad.
• CVS Health C70 Flexible Fabric Sterile Bandages: 124 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad and 272 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product tested showed 156 ppm in the absorbent pad.
• CVS Health C80 Flexible Fabric Antibacterial Bandages: 128 ppm organic fluorine in the absorbent pad.
• Equate (Walmart) Flexible Fabric Bandages Antibacterial: 118 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad and 165 ppm on the sticky flaps.
• Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Flexible Fabric (darkest shade): 197 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad and 251 ppm on the sticky flaps; a second product tested was 183 ppm on the absorbent pad.
• Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Flexible Fabric (medium to dark shade): 112 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad. (Matches black and brown skin tones)
• Equate (Walmart) SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Flexible Fabric (medium to light shade): 120 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad. (Matches black and brown skin tones)
• First Honey Manuka Bandages: 157 ppm organic fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
• Rite Aid First Aid Advanced Antibacterial Fabric Adhesive Bandages: 101 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad and 181 ppm on the sticky flaps.
• Solimo (Amazon Brand) Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages: 104 ppm organic fluorine on the sticky flaps; non-detect on the absorbent pad.
• UP & UP (Target) Flexible Fabric Bandages: 256 ppm organic fluorine on the absorbent pad and 253 ppm on the sticky flaps.

Read more of the reports here.