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In a ground-breaking examine led by client advocacy group MamaWays, extensively used bandage manufacturers together with Band-Support had been discovered to comprise PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), generally often called 'perpetually chemical substances'. Harmful ranges have been found.
PFAS, identified for his or her persistence within the surroundings and human physique, have been linked to various well being points, together with most cancers, immune system disruption and reproductive issues.
Mamaw's investigation into the presence of PFAS within the straps was performed in partnership with Environmental Well being Information and led by Terrence Collins of Carnegie Mellon College and Linda S., former director of the Nationwide Institute of Environmental Well being Sciences. Scientific recognition was obtained from notable consultants reminiscent of Birnbaum. The examine concerned sending 40 strips from 18 totally different manufacturers to an EPA-certified laboratory to check for the presence of PFAS.
The outcomes had been worrying: 65% of the strips examined had detectable ranges of PFAS, with concentrations starting from 11 to 328 components per million (ppm).
Significantly worrying was the invention that 63% of bandages marketed to “coloured folks” contained these harmful chemical substances.
In line with the FDA, PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have lengthy been used for his or her oil-resistant, grease-resistant and water-repellent properties. Though they’re identified for his or her sturdiness, their presence in on a regular basis objects has change into a significant concern as a consequence of their potential connection to a number of well being issues.
Straps with PFAS:
- Band-Support Versatile Cloth Snug Security Bandages (Older pattern, presumably 7-8 years previous, not stocked in shops): 188 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pad. Observe: Test your cupboard for previous Band-Aids.
- Band-Support Ortone Versatile Cloth BR45 Bandages: 262 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads.
- Band-Support Ortone Versatile Cloth BR55 Bandages: 250 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads.
- Band-Support Ortone Versatile Cloth BR65 Bandages: 260 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 374 ppm on sticky flaps; The second product examined confirmed 169 ppm on the absorbent pad.
- Care Science Antibacterial Versatile Cloth Adhesive Bandages: 328 ppm natural fluorine on sticky flap; Not detected on absorbent pads.
- Curad Composite Bandages 4-Method Seal: 140 ppm natural fluorine on sticky flap; Not detected on absorbent pads.
- CVS Well being C60 Versatile Cloth Antibacterial Bandages: 201 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads.
- CVS Well being C70 Versatile Cloth Sterile Bandages: 124 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 272 ppm on sticky flaps; The second product examined confirmed 156 ppm within the absorbent pad.
- CVS Well being C80 Versatile Cloth Antibacterial Bandages: 128 ppm natural fluorine in absorbent pads.
- Related (Walmart) Versatile Cloth Bandages Antibacterial: 118 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 165 ppm on sticky flaps.
- Related (Walmart) Pores and skin Tone Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Cloth (darkest shade): 197 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 251 ppm on sticky flaps; The second product examined was 183 ppm on an absorbent pad.
- Related (Walmart) Pores and skin Tone Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Cloth (Medium to darkish): 112 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads. (matches black and brown pores and skin)
- Related (Walmart) Pores and skin Tone Antibacterial Bandages Versatile Cloth (Medium to mild shade): 120 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pad. (matches black and brown pores and skin)
- first honey manuka bars: 157 ppm natural fluorine on sticky flap; Not detected on absorbent pads.
- Ceremony Support First Support Superior Antibacterial Cloth Adhesive Bandages: 101 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 181 ppm on sticky flaps.
- Solimo (Amazon Model) Versatile Cloth Adhesive Bandages: 104 ppm natural fluorine on sticky flap; Not detected on absorbent pads.
- Up and Over (Goal) Versatile Cloth Straps: 256 ppm natural fluorine on absorbent pads and 253 ppm on sticky flaps.
Linda Birnbaum, a famend toxicologist and scholar at Duke College, expressed her concern over the findings.
“Since bandages are utilized to open wounds, it’s troubling to know that they’ll expose kids and adults to PFAS. It’s clear from the information that PFAS aren’t wanted for wound care, so it is crucial that the trade removes its presence to guard the general public from PFAS and as a substitute go for PFAS-free elements,'' she mentioned. .
The well being results related to PFAS publicity are substantial. These embrace:
- Decreased immunity
- Decreased response to vaccination
- Threat of allergic reactions and bronchial asthma will increase in younger kids
- Impacts the event, studying, and habits of infants and older kids
- enhance levels of cholesterol
- Metabolic ailments like weight problems and diabetes
- heart problems
- A girl's possibilities of getting pregnant are lowered
- decreased male fertility
- Elevated danger of kidney and testicular most cancers
- causes endocrine disruption
- disrupted regular thyroid operate
- Threat of acute lymphoblastic leukemia will increase in kids
Different industries identified to make use of PFAS embrace textiles, meals packaging, private care merchandise, cookware, and even firefighting foam. The ever-present nature of PFAS chemical substances means they’re discovered within the blood of almost all Individuals, making widespread publicity a major public well being concern.
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