Popular Adhesive Bandages Contain Low Levels of PFAS

By Nicole Greenfield | Consumer Reports | May 20, 2026

Read the full article by Nicole Greenfield (Consumer Reports)

"PFAS chemicals aren’t just forever, they’re also everywhere. In recent years, we’ve grown increasingly aware of just how ubiquitous this class of roughly 21,000 synthetic chemicals are. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are used to make products nonstick, stain-resistant, and waterproof, have been linked to a wide range of health risks. And they’ve made their way into the water (and the milk) we drink, the food we eat, the air we breathe—and a surprising array of products far beyond pans.

In recent years, Consumer Reports tests have found PFAS in food packaging and cookware. We also know these substances lurk in cosmetics, dental floss, clothing, and more. Now, new CR tests show that adhesive bandages, some of the most commonly used medical products, contain low levels of certain forever chemicals.

PFAS have been used in adhesives to create a more durable bond, and their water-resistant qualities could help keep moisture in check. For this project, we asked all the companies whose products we tested if they intentionally added PFAS to their bandages, and all those who answered that question said they didn’t. Forever chemicals can unintentionally contaminate products like bandages during the manufacturing process or elsewhere along the supply chain."