Bandages from Curad and Band-Aid have been found to contain high levels of toxic chemicals that can enter the bloodstream through open wounds and cause severe damage, according to a new report.
Out of the 40 bandages from 18 brands that were tested by the environmental health and consumer watchdog Mamavation and Environmental Health News, 26 were found to contain high levels of organic fluorin that are an indicator of forever chemicals known as PFAS.
Experts said that because bandages are placed on open wounds, adults and children are directly exposed to PFAS – a chemical that is not needed for wound care, which is why the same needs to be removed from such products.
Rather, pharmacies must go for products that protect people from PFAS and go for materials that do not contain the toxin.
In most cases, PFAS bandages are used for their waterproof feature.
PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are linked to several health complications from reproduction-related problems, growth, obesity disorders, and even some forms of cancer.
These synthetic chemicals were first created to resist stains, heat, oil, water, and grease and then they were used in products like food packaging, adhesives, and non-stick cookware.
They have now been termed forever chemicals due to their resistance to degeneration and this can stay in the human body for years.
The chemicals can enter the bloodstream too through direct contact and may get embedded in healthy tissues to damage organs over time.
While the study evaluated several brands, some had way higher levels of fluorine about 100 parts per million. PFAS chemicals have now also seeped into the water supply and the U.S.
Geological Survey found that traces of the same are present in almost half of the tap water sources in the country the previous summer.
The study accounted for private and municipal sources.
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