![Polyfluorinated compounds, or PFAS, also referred to as forever chemicals, are present in bandages used to cover wounds. (Representational image: Unsplash)](http://media.assettype.com/medbound%2F2024-05%2F2c620adf-b29a-4578-ac02-728b8a54fb85%2Fdiana_polekhina_rKJoUsqmSs4_unsplash.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
A recent investigation by Mamavation and Environment and Health News, an environmental wellness site, found that harmful levels of polyfluorinated compounds, or PFAS, also referred to as forever chemicals, are present in bandages used to cover wounds.
The investigation focused on 40 different types of bandages and 18 different brands; it discovered detectable levels of the everlasting compounds in 26 of them, including well-known names like Curad and Band-Aid.
These drugs are well known for their detrimental effects on health, which include impaired immune system function and vaccine response, problems with learning and development in infants and children, decreased fertility, endocrine disruption, some malignancies, and other problems.
About 26 bandages that were recently examined have measurable quantities of organic fluorine ranging from 11 parts per million to 239 ppm, according to Mamavation in collaboration with EHN.org.
Linda S. Birnbaum, a scientist emeritus and former head of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, expressed concern over the discovery that bandages placed over open wounds may expose kids and adults to PFAS.
Key Findings:
The study's conclusions are concerning and shocking at the same time for those who use bandages to treat wounds all around the world. Through open wounds, these substances can enter the bloodstream and cause a number of different health problems.
Of all the bandages examined, PFAS "forever chemicals" were found in 65% of them.
63 % of the bandages sold to people of color with black or brown skin tones had the label "forever chemicals" from PFAS.
Organic fluorine concentrations ranged from 11 ppm to 328 ppm.
What Do "Forever Chemicals" Actually Mean?
Because of their extreme resistance to breakdown and ability to linger in the human body for extended periods of time, PFAS compounds are also referred to as "forever chemicals." By ingestion or direct touch, these substances can enter the bloodstream and become embedded in healthy tissue, which may cause organ damage.
Why Do Bandages Contain PFAS?
Mamavation claims that because PFAS compounds are waterproof, they are probably used in bandages. These substances have been connected to a number of health issues, including testing for cancer and issues with growth, obesity, and reproduction. On the other hand, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are man-made compounds that are impervious to water, heat, grease, and oil. Products like food packaging, nonstick cookware, and adhesives include this.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Priyanka Pandey/MSM)