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When we were kids, we all got scrapes and cuts from falling down. To help them heal faster, we put Band-Aids on them. We trusted these Band-Aids for our faster recovery. But what if those Band-Aids had something harmful in them? What if they weren’t as safe as we thought?
Let’s see more about the controversy in a Band-Aid lawsuit. Sharnay Moultrie is suing Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue Inc. She said that these companies create bandages contaminated with PFAS chemicals, which can be harmful to our health.
How do Band-Aids Help Us?
Band-Aids help us cover small cuts, scrapes, and wounds. This protection helps the body heal without being disturbed too much. When we get injured, our bodies start to heal naturally. Band-Aids act as a barrier against dirt and germs that could cause infections.
They also keep the wound moist, which can speed up the healing process. Additionally, Band-Aids can provide a bit of cushioning and support for the injured area, making it more comfortable as it heals.
Band-Aids help our bodies heal more easily and effectively. It comes in different sizes and shapes to suit different types of wounds.
The Band-Aid controversy began when a Mamavation study found PFAS in a certain number of Band-Aids. Before we get into the topic, let’s understand what PFAS is.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances)
PFAS chemicals are harmful substances commonly found in nonstick cookware, food packaging, and waterproof cosmetics. They can enter our bodies through direct contact with contaminated products. They can build up in our bodies over time.
They are known as “Forever chemicals” because they break down slowly. PFAS chemicals have been linked to serious health issues like cancer, liver damage, fertility problems, and weakened immune systems.
Even low levels of exposure can be harmful, and there’s no effective way to remove them from the body. In recent years, there’s been more awareness of the risks of PFAS, leading to government regulations.
Study Linked to Band-Aid Controversy
Band-Aids are supposed to help heal wounds, but recent studies by Mamavation show that many of them contain PFAS chemicals.
In Mamavation’s study, they tested 40 bandages from 18 brands and found that 65% of them had high levels of organic fluorine, a strong indicator of PFAS. Even 63% bandages, marketed for darker skin tones, showed traces of these harmful chemicals. These chemicals can stay in our bodies for a long time and may cause health problems.
Experts are worried because bandages go on open wounds, which can make it easy for PFAS to get into our bodies. It’s important for companies to stop using these harmful chemicals, especially in things like bandages that we put directly on our skin.
These products contain PFAS levels above the limit set by the EPA.
- Band-Aid Flexible Fabric Comfortable Protection Bandages
- Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR45 Bandages
- Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR55 Bandages
- Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric BR65 Bandages
- Care Science Antibacterial Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages
- Curad Assorted Bandaids 4-Sided Seal
- CVS Health C60 Flexible Fabric Antibacterial Bandages
- CVS Health C70 Flexible Fabric Sterile Bandages
- CVS Health C80 Flexible Fabric Antibacterial Bandages
- Equate Flexible Fabric Bandages Antibacterial
- Equate SKIN TONE Antibacterial Bandages Flexible Fabric
- First Honey Manuka Bandages
- Rite Aid First Aid Advanced Antibacterial Fabric Adhesive Bandages
- Solimo (Amazon Brand) Flexible Fabric Adhesive Bandages
- UP & UP (Target) Flexible Fabric Bandages
PFAS Leads to Band-Aids Lawsuit
Sharnay Moultrie, a resident of California, bought Band-Aid OURTONE Flexible Fabric Bandages from a local pharmacy in 2022. She thought they were safe because of the advertising and marketing representations of the company.
She filed a lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue Inc. claiming that they’ve been selling Band-Aid products that were not safe for people to use. These Band-Aids were supposed to help with cuts and scrapes, but they contain harmful chemicals called PFAS.
The EPA set strict guidelines for PFAS levels in drinking water, and the Biden Administration established the first-ever national standards for PFAS in drinking water to protect people from exposure. The levels of PFAS found in the defendants’ Band-Aid products exceed these safety limits.
The plaintiff claimed that if she had known that they contained harmful PFAS chemicals, she wouldn’t have bought them or would have paid less. She suffered financial losses due to the premium charge.
The plaintiff alleges that they’ve been doing this for a long time and selling them across the country, including California and New Jersey.
Deceptive Marketing of Band-Aids
Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue sell Band-Aid products, claiming that they were recommended by doctors and designed to be safe for the skin. These Band-Aids have cushioning to help with cuts and scrapes and come in different skin tones.
The company charges a premium amount for their Band-Aids due to their reputation, claiming to be the “#1 doctor recommended brand” and offering “trusted protection for healing wounds.” The packaging says that they are made of comfortable fabric and keep wounds clean.
The Band-Aid lawsuit alleges that the manufacturers claim on their website to prioritize safety and quality in their products. However, they don’t disclose the presence of PFAS on their packaging or labels, leading customers to believe the products are toxin-free.
The plaintiff sued the manufacturers for deceptively marketing their products and for selling something that could harm people’s health.
The plaintiff seeks compensation for compensatory, statutory, and punitive damages, along with prejudgment interest and restitution.
How to Join Band-Aid Lawsuit?
If you want to join a class action lawsuit related to harmful chemicals found in bandages, contact a lawyer who specializes in consumer protection or class action lawsuits. They can provide guidance on how to join an existing lawsuit or help you initiate a new one if necessary.
Remember to act promptly and seek legal advice if you believe you have been affected by harmful chemicals in bandages.
To wrap things up,
It’s concerning to discover that even the products we trust, like bandages and Band-Aids, may contain harmful chemicals like PFAS. Despite their role in helping us heal, these everyday products could expose us to health risks. It is essential for manufacturers to prioritize the use of PFAS-free products in bandages to ensure the safety of consumers. As consumers, we have the duty to address any issues with our day-to-day products and take measures to create safer environments.
