Researchers from Northeastern University in Boston, a well-known hub of scientific inquiry, have found that more than half of commercially available adhesive plasters contain phthalates, chemicals linked to the broader class of PFAS, commonly referred to as lifetime or persistent chemicals. The team published their findings in Environmental Science & Technology, a respected peer‑reviewed journal that frequently informs public health discussions and consumer safety standards in North America.
PFAS are celebrated for their remarkable resistance to breakdown, which means they can linger in the environment for years and, in some cases, decades. This persistence has raised concerns about long‑term exposure and potential health effects. Among the concerns cited by researchers are developmental issues in infants and certain cancers, including kidney cancer, though the full spectrum of risks continues to be studied. The notion of persistence underscores why PFAS are often described as permanent contaminants, capable of accumulating in ecosystems and entering human and animal bodies through various exposure pathways.
Phthalates serve a different yet equally important purpose in manufacturing. They are added to a wide range of materials to impart flexibility, resilience, and durability. In medical products, this additive helps ensure that adhesives conform to the contours of the skin and maintain adhesive strength under movement, which is particularly relevant for products designed to stay in place during everyday activity or in clinical settings. The presence of phthalates in consumer and medical devices has become a topic of scrutiny as regulatory agencies and industry bodies seek to balance material performance with potential health considerations.
In their analysis, the researchers found that about 65% of adhesive plasters contained phthalates. The chemicals were detected not only in the adhesive itself but also in absorbent layers, suggesting multiple points of potential exposure. This matters because adhesive patches are often applied to skin that may have minor open wounds or skin irritation, creating a direct route for chemical migration into the body. While the exact risk level depends on the specific phthalate compound, the exposure route and duration, and individual susceptibility, the results underscore the importance of transparent labeling and safer material choices in wound care products used by patients and healthcare professionals alike across Canada and the United States.
Experts argue that manufacturers of medical devices and consumer health products should adopt more transparent practices about their formulations. They advocate for clearer ingredient disclosures and, where feasible, the use of safer alternatives that minimize potential health risks, especially for products intended for vulnerable populations such as infants, pregnant people, and those with compromised skin barriers. Strengthened stewardship in how products are developed, tested, and marketed could help consumers make better, more informed choices and reduce unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful elements commonly found in everyday health aids.
In discussing the broader research landscape, scientists point to parallel efforts aimed at mitigating PFAS exposure in the body. Earlier studies have explored potential therapies and interventions designed to reduce the body’s PFAS burden, though researchers emphasize that preventing contamination and limiting exposure remain the most effective strategies. This line of inquiry continues to drive collaborations among public health agencies, academic institutions, and industry stakeholders as they work toward safer, more sustainable solutions for consumer health products used in North America.