New study finds ‘Forever Chemicals’ found in major bandage brands.

A brand new study has revealed signs that “forever chemicals” could also be lurking in adhesive bandages from major brands like Band-Aid and Curad, and in products from retail giants CVS, Walmart and Target.

According to the report published 26 bandages had detectable levels of organic fluorine, an indicator of a gaggle of chemicals often known as PFAS. Levels ranged from 11 parts per million to 328 ppm, with 10 of 16 bandages with black and brown skin tones showing signs of PFAS contamination.

The news blog revealed the outcomes of a study conducted in partnership with Environmental Health Sciences, which had the samples tested at an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory.

Linda S. Birnbaum, a retired scientist and former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program, expressed concern concerning the results. “Because bandages are applied to open wounds, it is concerning to learn that they may also expose children and adults to PFAS,” she said. “The data clearly shows that PFAS are not needed for wound care, so it is important that the industry phases out their use to protect the public from PFAS and instead opts for PFAS-free materials.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are often known as “forever chemicals” attributable to their persistence in the environment. Many of those chemicals can stay in the body for years or a long time and have been linked to reduced immunity, developmental problems in children, some cancers, fertility problems, hormonal disruptions, and more. The report confirms growing evidence of PFAS contamination in consumer products corresponding to sportswear, bedding, automobile seats, kid’s clothing, food packaging, period underwear, tampons, dental floss, kitchenware, carpets and flooring.

In 2023 BLACK ENTERPRISES described a Washington state-funded study that highlighted toxic chemicals in cosmetics that may be troubling for ladies of color. The report identifies products containing lead and arsenic which were banned in Europe, corresponding to the CoverGirl Foundation. States corresponding to Minnesota and California have already banned substances containing the chemical PFAS.

While some bandages, including those from 3M and FEBU, were found to be freed from organic fluoride and other harmful compounds, the report emphasized the necessity to phase out the usage of PFAS in their products. 3M, known for products like Sticky Notes, has announced plans to phase out all PFAS by the top of 2025.

Tru Color, a brand offering a various range of skin-toned bandages and co-owned by a team that features renowned orthopedic hand surgeon Dr. Raymond Wurapa and head of digital marketing Ryan Tolbert, was also recognized for doesn’t contain organic fluorine and other harmful compounds.