Evidence of PFAS found in popular bandage brands including Band-Aid
Evidence of PFAS found in popular bandage brands including Band-Aid Environmental Health News
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Bandages and PFAS: A Report on the Presence of PFAS in Bandages
According to a new report from Mamavation, twenty-six bandages recently tested have detectable levels of organic fluorine, which is an indicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Testing and Findings
Partnering with EHN.org, Mamavation had 40 bandages tested by a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified lab. The results showed levels of organic fluorine ranging from 11 parts per million to 328 ppm. Out of the 16 bandages with black and brown skin tones, ten had indications of PFAS.
Concerns and Recommendations
Linda S. Birnbaum, scientist emeritus and former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program, expressed concern about the findings. She stated that it is troubling to learn that bandages may expose children and adults to PFAS. Birnbaum emphasized the importance of removing PFAS from bandages to protect public health.
Potential Health Effects
PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” have been linked to various health effects including reduced immune system function, developmental and learning problems for infants and children, certain cancers, lowered fertility, endocrine disruption, and other impacts.
Scott Belcher, associate professor with the Center for Environmental & Health Effects of PFAS at North Carolina State University, explained that fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly found in bandages, could contribute to the presence of organic fluorine.
Other Consumer Products Tested
Mamavation and EHN.org have been conducting tests on various consumer products to identify PFAS. These include contact lenses, pasta and tomato sauces, sports bras, tampons, dental floss, electrolytes, butter wrappers, fast food packaging, diapers, condoms, and deodorants.
Why are PFAS in Bandages?
The exact reason for the presence of PFAS in bandages is unclear. However, PFAS chemicals are sometimes used in adhesives. The report found evidence of PFAS in the adhesive section of several bandages. Previous research has shown that skin exposure to PFAS poses similar health risks as ingesting the chemicals via food or water.
PFAS-Free Bandages
Mamavation discovered PFAS in popular bandage brands such as Band-Aid, Equate, and CVS Health. However, some bandages from 3M and Tru Colour were found to be free of organic fluorine and other harmful compounds.
For a full list of bandages with evidence of PFAS and those without, refer to the full report at Mamavation.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of the presence of PFAS in bandages and other consumer products. Continued testing and identification of PFAS can help protect public health and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 14: Life Below Water
- SDG 15: Life on Land
The issues highlighted in the article are related to the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in bandages, which can have negative health effects. This connects to SDG 3, as it addresses good health and well-being. The presence of PFAS also relates to SDG 6, as it concerns clean water and sanitation, since PFAS pollution can contaminate water sources. Additionally, the article mentions the need for responsible consumption and production (SDG 12) to ensure the removal of PFAS from bandages. The impact of PFAS on the environment is also relevant to SDGs 14 and 15, which focus on life below water and life on land, respectively.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
- Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
- Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
Based on the article’s content, the specific targets under the identified SDGs are as follows:
– Target 3.9 aims to reduce the number of illnesses caused by hazardous chemicals and pollution, which includes addressing the presence of PFAS in bandages.
– Target 6.3 focuses on improving water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals, including PFAS.
– Target 12.4 aims to achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and wastes, which includes the removal of PFAS from bandages.
– Target 14.1 aims to prevent and reduce marine pollution, including pollutants like PFAS that can contaminate water sources.
– Target 15.1 focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, including addressing the impact of PFAS on land and ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. These indicators include:
– Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence (related to targets 3.9, 6.3, and 12.4).
– Presence of PFAS in the adhesive section of bandages (related to target 12.4).
– Evidence of PFAS in popular bandage brands (related to target 12.4).
– Identification of PFAS-free bandages (related to target 12.4).
These indicators can be used to measure progress towards the targets by monitoring the reduction of PFAS presence in bandages and the availability of PFAS-free alternatives.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.9: By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination. | – Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence. – Presence of PFAS in the adhesive section of bandages. |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials. | – Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence. |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water, and soil to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | – Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence. – Presence of PFAS in the adhesive section of bandages. – Evidence of PFAS in popular bandage brands. – Identification of PFAS-free bandages. |
| SDG 14: Life Below Water | Target 14.1: By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution. | – Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains, and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | – Levels of organic fluorine in bandages as an indicator of PFAS presence. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: ehn.org
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