That paper reduce gained’t final perpetually, however these PFAS? That’s one other story. Sadly, even bandages aren’t secure from the prevalence of poisonous “perpetually chemical substances.” It’s extra widespread than you may suppose. Fortunately, some broadly out there manufacturers supply PFAS-free bandages in a wide range of shapes, colours, and in addition pores and skin tones. Right here’s what it’s essential to find out about PFAS in common bandage manufacturers and how one can steer clear when stocking your drugs cupboard.
What are PFAS-Free Bandages? Are They Value It?
There are a stunning quantity of on a regular basis merchandise that may comprise toxins and dangerous chemical substances. Sadly, many bandage manufacturers have been discovered to comprise PFAS, often known as “perpetually chemical substances” (supply).
A lab evaluation of 40 completely different manufacturers discovered that 65% examined optimistic for these compounds. What’s extra, of the bandages made for darker pores and skin tones, 10 out of 16 landed within the hazard zone for PFAS.
One of many worst offending manufacturers, BAND-AID, perpetually chemical substances had been present in a big portion of bandage merchandise. It goes with out saying that the very last thing you need to stick on an open wound is one other potential well being concern.
Contemplating how widespread the problem is, it’s an excellent factor there are more healthy options to BAND-AIDS, cancer-causing-chemical-free.
What are PFAS, precisely?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) earned their ominous nickname as a result of the truth that they by no means break down, whether or not they’re in your physique or the atmosphere. They’ve additionally been linked to fertility issues, most cancers, and hypertension in pregnant folks.
You’ll be able to typically discover them in kitchen home equipment and nonstick coatings on pans. With sufficient publicity, they’ll accumulate within the physique, resulting in vital well being issues.
Which bandages are PFAS-free?
Cloth, plant-based, and latex-free bandages are your greatest guess for PFAS-free bandages. Avoid plastics and different artificial supplies, in addition to search for packaging that boasts biodegradable, natural substances. Beneath are some non-toxic manufacturers to search for the following time it’s essential to cowl up a pesky scrape.
High 5 PFAS-Free Bandage Manufacturers: How We Selected
Apart from being freed from PFAS, we checked out a number of standards when placing collectively our record of bandages.
- Availability: Once you want a bandage, you don’t wait to attend 3-to-5 days for transport. We discovered merchandise out there at a number of retailers or common shops.
- Worth: Bandages shouldn’t value an arm and a leg. If that’s the case, you’ll in all probability want a much bigger bandage.
- Skintone and colour: Everyone deserves a bandage that blends in or stands out—no matter they like.
- High quality: We looked for merchandise which might be made with accountable supplies meant to final (simply not perpetually).
Our Picks
All featured merchandise are chosen on the discretion of the creator and DGHQ editors. Nonetheless, Do Good HQ might make a small affiliate fee when you click on by and make a purchase order.
| Materials | Latex-free material |
| Worth at Vary | $-$$ |
Welly bandages had been amongst a few of the model merchandise examined for PFAS, they usually ranked among the many greatest (supply). They arrive in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colours, with waterproof varieties for further endurance.
Highlights
The tins are available in enjoyable colours and patterns and are each reusable and recyclable. The corporate can also be B Corp Licensed.
Issues to Think about
Some prospects say that the common bandages aren’t sticky sufficient.
| Materials | Latex-free material |
| Worth Vary | $$-$$$ |
Since some bandages made for darker pores and skin tones have been proven to be particularly responsible of PFAS contamination, these PFAS-free pores and skin tone bandages are prepared to save lots of the day. They arrive in a wide range of pores and skin tones, from beige and olive to medium and darkish brown.
Highlights
The bandages are available in a wide range of helpful shapes and types for these hard-to-wrap cuts (taking a look at you, fingertips).
Issues to Think about
Corporations usually promote them in multipacks, which may make them a bit pricier.
3. For Earth. By Us. (FEBU)
| Materials | Bamboo material |
| Worth Vary | $ |
If you’d like breathability and biodegradability, these natural PFAS-free bandages are made for you. The natural bamboo materials is hypoallergenic and freed from latex, parabens, plastic, and different irritants that you could be need to keep away from.
Highlights
The biodegradable boast isn’t any joke. These bandages can break down in your house compost bin in a matter of weeks however are nonetheless sturdy sufficient to guard your bumps and bruises.
Issues to Think about
The adhesive is just not waterproof and will slip off when moist.
| Materials | Latex-free material/plastic |
| Worth Vary | $ |
All Terrain makes all kinds of latex- and PFAS-free bandages, gauze, and medical adhesive tape for all of your first help wants. They arrive in a number of sizes and types, and whereas they don’t supply a lot selection in the best way of pores and skin tones, they do have clear varieties which might be made to mix in.
Highlights
Furthermore, the adhesive is tremendous sticky, guaranteeing it stays in place for long-lasting safety.
Issues to Think about
The neon youngsters’ bandages use plastic, making them a much less eco-friendly choice.
| Materials | Latex-free |
| Worth Vary | $ |
This PFAS-free medical tape is form to pores and skin and latex-free, good for holding bandages in place in addition to securing bigger wound dressings. It’s mild and breathable, making it splendid for overlaying smaller cuts by itself or securing medical gadgets in place.
Highlights
The non-irritating adhesive is straightforward to take away and doesn’t depart any nasty residue in your pores and skin.
Issues to Think about
Some customers say the tape doesn’t tear squarely off the roll, so you might need to hold some scissors useful.
The way to Select PFAS-Free Bandages for Your Wants
Not each bandage can do what you want it to do in a pinch. When purchasing for PFAS-free bandages, listed below are some issues to contemplate:
- What sizes, shapes, or varieties do you want? Are you stocking up in your emergency first help package or in search of a small pack to maintain in your purse? Take into consideration the forms of cuts, scrapes in addition to accidents you anticipate to cope with and get the types that make sense in your wants.
- Who’re the bandages for? If the bandages are for youths, you may need to shock them with some enjoyable shapes and patterns. If you happen to’re shopping for for younger or medically-sensitive folks, it pays to be extra conscious of substances.
- Are you in search of a latex-free choice? They possible aren’t onerous to seek out, however not everyone seems to be delicate to latex. If latex-free is necessary to you, you should definitely learn the packaging fastidiously and search for pure latex and artificial derivatives.
Whereas some big-name manufacturers might not be secure in relation to avoiding nasty toxins, there are many manufacturers and bandages on the market that will help you and yours keep secure, wholesome, and (hopefully) therapeutic shortly!
Featured picture through Welly on Amazon