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- Updated: Feb. 08, 2025, 9:58 a.m.
- Published: Feb. 08, 2025, 9:00 a.m.
At least half a dozen customers who purchased Band-Aid products have filed a class-action lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson and global consumer health company Kenvue for selling bandages that contain harmful PFAS chemicals.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court in New Jersey, claims that while Band-Aid products are marketed as having better ingredients and better processes, PFAS — or forever chemicals — are present in unsafe amounts in Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages.
Moreover, the lawsuit alleges that a disproportionate number of Band-Aid OURTONE products specifically marketed to people of color contain PFAS chemicals, raising questions about disparity.
The lead plaintiff in the case, a Georgia resident, “would not have purchased the bandages, or would have paid less for them, had she known that they contained and/or had a material risk of containing dangerous PFAS,” the lawsuit claims.
“These companies spent time positioning it as a step toward empowering people of color, but in reality it puts these communities at risk,” said Seeger Weiss attorney Chris Ayers, co-lead class counsel in the suit.
“If these communities are being exposed to PFAS, it really adds to the burden of health inequities that already exist,” said Ayers.
Kenvue, which started as a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson but became fully independent in 2023, defended the safety of Band-Aid products in a company statement sent Friday to NJ Advance Media.
“We are aware of the filing and will respond further to the claims as part of the legal process,” the statement begins. “BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages are safe, and consumers can continue to use the products as directed.”
Johnson & Johnson, a leading U.S. drugmaker and one of the world’s largest corporations, did not respond to a request for comment.
Both companies maintain global headquarters in New Jersey. Both companies stand accused of knowingly concealing the presence of PFAS in certain Band-Aid brand adhesive bandages.
PFAS are widely-used, long-lasting chemicals which break down very slowly over time. In regard to bandages, the PFAS chemicals are used for their waterproof qualities, according to the suit.
However, scientific studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, according to the United States Department of Environmental Protection.
PFAS have been linked to cancer, immune system issues and other health effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In recent years, consumers have become more concerned about products containing PFAS chemicals, such as nonstick cookware and stain resistant fabrics. Now, PFAS contaminants have been found in bandages, the lawsuit claims.
The class-action lawsuit alleges an independent study conducted by the watchdog group Mamavation on indications of PFAS in popular bandages marketed to consumers found 63% of bandages marketed to people of color with black and brown skin tones had indications of PFAS.
Of the four bandage products manufactured by Johnson & Johnson and Kenvue, the three OURTONE products of the Band-Aid brand are marketed to people of color with black and brown skin tones, the suit states.
“Millions of Americans have trusted Band-Aid products to help them heal and they never imagined that they contained these harmful, toxic chemicals,” said Ayers.
Since litigation is just getting underway, Ayers said, there’s still time for eligible customers to contact their attorney or Seeger Weiss directly to join the class-action lawsuit.
The number of plaintiffs is likely to rise, said Ayers.
This is not the first time Johnson & Johnson has been accused of marketing a dangerous product as completely safe. In June, the company agreed to pay $700 million spread across 43 states to settle allegations it deceptively marketed talcum powder products as safe for women.
New Jersey was part of the lawsuit that alleged Johnson & Johnson marketed Baby Powder and Shower to Shower Powder as safe for daily use, including around the genitals, while knowing that studies and other information showed that the products were occasionally tainted with asbestos.
Johnson & Johnson was also part of a landmark $26 billion nationwide settlement for its role in the opioid addiction crisis.
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Jackie Roman may be reached at jroman@njadvancemedia.com.
