Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Wound Dressings!

A shocking report has revealed that some medical dressings contain dangerous levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Tests conducted by a leading regulatory agency found that more than 20 different dressings contain the fluorine chemical. The dressings with high levels of fluorine include the following brands: Band-Aid, Care Science, Curad, CVS Health, Equate, and First Honey. The PFAS found in the dressings is used for its water and grease-resistant properties. PFAS chemicals are sometimes used to make adhesives. Fluorine, which is also used in making rocket fuel, can cause skin burns and eye damage, but it is more dangerous when inhaled. Dr. Linda Birnbaum, a toxicologist who helped oversee the laboratory tests, stated that the fact that hazardous chemicals come into direct contact with open wounds is "concerning." PFAS chemicals can easily enter the bloodstream after drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food, and they can settle into healthy tissues, where they begin to damage the immune system, liver, kidneys, and other organs. PFAS substances contain bonds between carbon and fluorine atoms, creating a highly resilient chemical that can remain in the environment for years or even decades.