‘Forever Chemicals’ Linked to Some Band-Aids and Adhesive Brands from Wal-Mart and CVS

An independent lab test claims that PFAS may be present in the adhesive or absorbent pads on some common adhesive bandages

A new report claims that a type of “forever chemical” has been indicated to be present in adhesive bandages from popular brands like Band-Aids and Curad — as well as in-store brands from CVS, Wal-Mart, and Target.

An independent lab test found organic fluorine — which studies say can indicate the presence of PFAS, aka, “forever chemicals” —  in the adhesives, and on the absorbent pads. The lab’s findings were reported on the advocacy blog Mamavation, which teamed up with Environmental Health Sciences to have the samples tested at an Environmental Protection Agency-certified lab.

Short for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances, PFAS are “are a group of chemicals used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease, and water,” the CDC explains, explaining that they do not break down in the environment, and “can move through soils and contaminate drinking water sources.”

There is no indication that the bandages have caused negative health effects from PFAs.

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PFAS are concerning, the CDC says, because “studies of laboratory animals given large amounts of PFAS indicate that some PFAS may affect growth and development. In addition, these animal studies indicate PFAS may affect reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system, and injure the liver.”

And the Environmental Protection Agency adds that PFAS may cause decreased fertility, developmental delays, increased cancer risk, and impact the immune system.

“Because bandages are placed upon open wounds, it’s troubling to learn that they may be also exposing children and adults to PFAS. It’s obvious from the data that PFAS are not needed for wound care, so it’s important that the industry remove their presence to protect the public from PFAS and opt instead for PFAS-free materials,” Linda S. Birnbaum, scientist emeritus and former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Toxicology Program and scholar at residence at Duke University, told Mamavation.

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PEOPLE reached out to the companies listed as having products with the highest levels of PFAS in the report for comment. At press time, CVS was the only company to reply.

“CVS Pharmacy’s store brands are designed to maximize quality and safety, work as intended, comply with regulations, and satisfy customers,” a rep for CVS told PEOPLE in an email. “We’re in the process of reviewing and evaluating the information in Mamavation’s bandage report.”

PEOPLE will update this report as more information is available.

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