How To Stock A Non-Toxic First Aid Kit
Did you know bandaids contain forever chemicals? Prioritize your health by switching to non-toxic first aid supplies. Ditch the harmful chemicals from your first aid kit to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals and to keep our planet clean and green.
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Is your first aid kit full of toxic chemicals? It’s time to stock your first aid kit with non-toxic and eco-friendly products. Most first aid kits contain a shocking amount of ingredients that can be harmful to your health, especially endocrine disruptors like PFAS and parabens. The good news is that there are alternatives to common first aid products that don’t contain toxins, and I’ve rounded up the best non-toxic products for your first aid kit.
Common Toxic Ingredients in Traditional First Aid Supplies
Most bandaids on the market contain PFAS chemicals. PFAS is short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. Chemicals in this class of substances are found in products like nonstick pans (e.g. “Teflon”), food packaging, waterproof jackets, and carpets to repel water, grease, and stains.
PFAS chemicals don’t easily break down, and they can persist in your body and in the environment for decades. As a result of their pervasiveness, more than 95 percent of the U.S. population has PFAS in their bodies, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Research has associated PFAS with adverse health risks, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, increased risk of asthma, immune system disfunction, decreased vaccine response in children, changes in liver enzymes, increased risk of high blood pressure, pre-ecalmpsia in pregnant women, small decreases in infant birth weight and weight gain in adults.
Bandaids also contain plastic and can take hundreds of years to decompose, so they aren’t eco-friendly.
As an alternative to bandaids, use bamboo bandages. Bamboo band aids are fairly easy to find in stores. Bamboo is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, and regenerates quickly after harvest. Bamboo is a renewable and sustainable resource, and does not need fertilizer to grow. Bamboo is also grown without the use of pesticides, as it is naturally resistant to pest and fungi infestation. One more reason to love bamboo – it’s biodegradable and decomposes within six months.
Beyond bandages, antibiotic creams and first aid sprays usually contain ingredients like parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, artificial dyes and possibly Triclosan. Triclosan has been linked to endocrine disruption and antibiotic resistance.
First aid creams like Neosporin contain petroleum, which can contain carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons if not properly refined. The neomycin in the product is a common irritant.
First aid sprays like Band Aid brand contain Benzalkonium Cl, which is an antibacterial agent that induces neurotoxicity in animal studies. It’s also an endocrine disruptor. Disodium EDTA is another ingredient that can cause adverse health effects, especially if inhaled.
A non-toxic alternative to Band Aid first aid spray is to use a first aid spray with hypochlorous acid. Hypochlorous acid is a molecule produced by our white blood cells in response to injury, acting to fend off bacteria and infection. Active Skin Repair contains hypochlorous acid and acts like a disinfecting agent. Hypochlorous acid is made in the lab by electrically charging salt, water, and vinegar.
Fever reducers and antihistamine medication products typically contain extra unnecessary ingredients like artificial dyes, parabens, propylene glycol, artificial flavors and high fructose corn syrup. I recommend the Genexa brand since it doesn’t contain unnecessary dyes, corn syrup, fillers and harsh preservatives.
Benefits of Using Non-Toxic First Aid Supplies
By switching to non-toxic first aid supplies, you’ll be using supplies that are free from harmful chemicals like endocrine disruptors, reducing the risk of long-term health issues. Luckily non-toxic first aid supplies are just as effective as their traditional counterparts, providing the same level of protection without the harmful side effects.
Non-toxic first aid supplies are also better for the earth. Since they’re made from renewable resources and don’t contain harmful ingredients that pollute our environment, using non-toxic first aid supplies can reduce the environmental impact on the planet.
Essential Non-Toxic Supplies for Your First Aid Kit
If you plan to stock your first aid kit with non-toxic supplies, read on to discover the toxin-free essentials that you need for your first aid kit. You may also consider adding non-toxic sunscreen, safer bug spray and non-toxic anti-itch cream to your first aid kit.
First Aid Kit
You’ll need an empty first aid kit to start compiling your toxin-free supplies.
First Aid Bag
This one is made of thick nylon fabric and lined with polyester fabric. It features a large pouch and 5 small pockets for easy classification and storage, a large capacity make it easier to match a variety of daily travel toiletries and first aid items.
Bandaids & Bandages
Traditional drugstore bandaids contain PFAS chemicals and plastic, so they’re not great for your health or for the environment. The bandages below are a sustainable and toxin-free choice for covering minor cuts and scrapes.
Patch Bandaids
PFAS-free bamboo bandages.
Patch Strap Bamboo Body Tape
This flexible tape is made from 100% natural bamboo fiber and is the perfect flexible athletic tape. This Bamboo Body Tape is great for the sustainably minded, and it was named the Best New Sports Nutrition or Active Lifestyle Product at the 2021 Expo East NEXTY Awards.
FEBU Bandaids
These latex free bandages are made from premium organic bamboo viscose, offering unique softness and flexibility. The organic fabric of the flexible bandages naturally contours to your skin to offer optimal protection and support while bending, working, or moving. 100% biodegradable. PFAS-free.
All Terrain Gauze Pads
All Terrain‘s latex-free, ultra-soft & comfortable Gauze Pads are flexible, breathable & absorbent; ideal for cleaning minor cuts, scrapes or burns without sticking to them. Great for athletes & active families.
Nexskin Bandages
These cotton medical compression bandages are latex-free and are perfect for sensitive skin.
First Aid Spray & Antiseptic
Swap out your antibacterial first aid spray for a non-toxic version. The ones I found below are better choices for sanitizing minor cuts and scrapes before applying a bandage.
Active Skin Repair
Active Skin Repair Spray is a medical-grade treatment for everyday wound care and skin repair. It works on: Minor wounds, cuts, scrapes, sunburns, normal burns, chaffing, rashes, insect bites, and other skin irritations. This natural, non-toxic, non-sensitizing (aka no sting) formula is cruelty-free and vegan and contains hypochlorous (HOCl). HOCl is naturally produced by the white blood cells in our bodies as a natural way to support the natural healing process.
Humphrey’s Witch Hazel Pads
This certified organic witch hazel has antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It can be used to help with the healing of minor cuts and scrapes. It can also be used for bug bites by helping to soothe the skin and calm inflammation.
Sovreign Colloidal Silver
Sovereign Silver First Aid Gel reduces topical pain quickly, calms inflammation and reduces swelling, redness and heat that often accompany minor skin wounds, and it helps the body to keep minor skin infections at bay, allowing minor wounds to heal quickly.
First Aid Ointments & Salves
Antibiotic creams usually contain unnecessary ingredients like parabens, phthalates and synthetic fragrances. I’ve listed four brands of first aid ointment below that will give you peace of mind since they don’t contain toxic ingredients.
First Honey Wound Healing Ointment
Sterile Honey has healing properties because it offers natural bioactivity and high viscosity which helps to provide a moist protective barrier to protect from infection and minimize scarring. Additionally, Medical Grade Manuka Honey’s low pH level and high sugar content aids the wound healing process.
Green Goo First Aid Ointment
This power-packed, portable, plant-based First Aid salve is essential for every adventure, backpack, first aid kit, diaper bag, glove box, and bug out kit. It’s great for cuts, scrapes, insect bites, chapping, chafing, sunburns, blisters, rashes, abrasions, itching, cracked skin, and more. Power packed with calendula, comfrey, and yarrow. All-natural, plant-based, organic, cruelty free.
Selah Organics First Aid Salve
This no-sting safe & gentle salve is made with these organic ingredients: Calendula flowers, plantain leaf, tea tree, helichrysum, german chamomile, sweet marjoram, shea butter, olive oil and beeswax. This fast acting salve staunches bleeding and soothes cuts immediately for a quicker scar free healing process.
All Good On-The-Go Skin Recovery Balm
This organic travel goop works wonders for common skin concerns while keeping hydrated. It contains calendula extract to help calm redness and skin discomfort, lavender oil to protect skin from unwanted skin reactions, and also includes beeswax, comfrey, and plantain leaf extract.
Medicine Without Artificial Dyes & Flavors
Keep all medication out of reach of children. Your child’s medication does not need additional bright colored dyes and artificial flavors, and the products below are free from unnecessary extras.
Genexa Kids Chewable Allergy Medication
Genexa Kids’ Allergy Care provides temporary relief for sneezing, runny nose, itchy/watery eyes, itchy nose/throat, and nasal congestion associated with the common allergy. This kid-friendly, easy-to-administer, non-drowsy, tablet form gives your child the recommended dosage is hassle-free and convenient. Contains no artificial dyes or fillers.
Vick Speedread Digital Thermometer
Provides accurate, simple to understand the readings in only 8 seconds.
Genexa Kids Chewable Acetaminophen Pain & Fever Reducer
Made with the same effective acetaminophen as Children’s Tylenol Oral Suspension Cherry, but without artificial fillers or dyes.
Beekeepers Naturals Throat Spray
Use this spray to support your immune system, soothe a dry, scratchy throat, combat free radical damage in the body, and feed the good bacteria in your gut. Propolis delivers over 300 beneficial compounds, antioxidants, like flavanoids & polyphenols, that fight free radicals and combat oxidative stress. Third-party tested to ensure it is pesticide-free.
Essential First Aid Supplies
I’ve added some items that I think should be in every first aid kit.
Tick Remover Kit
Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, this kit guarantees durability and secure tick control. Say goodbye to tick-related worries with this comprehensive set that comes with all the essential tools you need.
Bug Bite Thing
Removes insect venom, saliva, and other irritants left under the skin using suction. By removing the irritant, the body stops producing the reaction that is causing you to itch & swell.
Travel Scissor & Tweezer Set
A nice combination of fingernail clipper, toenail clipper, nail file, flat tweezers, pointed tweezers, slant tweezers, pointed slant tweezers, curved scissors, and tweezers with comb. All the pieces come in a convenient leather case.
Biodegradable Nitrile Exam Gloves
These disposable gloves are an eco-friendly alternative to regular nitrile gloves. Biodegradable gloves break down quicker than regular gloves, therefore aiding the environment. Latex free.
Cob Keychain Rechargeable Emergency Flashlight
The cob work light has a strong magnetic attraction on the back, which can be easily attached to any metal surface. The 180-degree adjustable stand allows you to place the cob light at different angles according to actual needs. The carabiner design allows you to hang the cob light. Help you free your hands and make your work more convenient. Features a flameless lighter that you can quickly ignite.
At-Home Non-Toxic First Aid Remedies
Here are some non-toxic home remedies to handle minor injuries and ailments at home:
1. Aloe Vera Gel for Burns and Sunburns
Ingredients: Fresh aloe vera leaf.
Instructions: Cut a leaf from an aloe vera plant, slice it open, and extract the gel. Apply the gel directly to the burn or sunburn. Aloe vera has cooling and soothing properties that help in healing burns.
2. Honey for Wounds and Cuts
Ingredients: Raw honey.
Instructions: Clean the wound with water and mild soap. Apply a thin layer of raw honey to the wound and cover it with a sterile bandage. Honey has antibacterial properties and can promote healing.
3. Baking Soda Paste for Insect Bites and Stings
Ingredients: Baking soda, water.
Instructions: Mix baking soda with a little water to form a paste. Apply the paste to the insect bite or sting. This can help reduce itching and swelling.
4. Turmeric Paste for Cuts and Scrapes
Ingredients: Turmeric powder, water or coconut oil.
Instructions: Mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil to form a paste. Apply the paste to the cut or scrape. Turmeric has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.
5. Garlic Oil for Ear Infections
Ingredients: Garlic, olive oil.
Instructions: Crush a few garlic cloves and heat them in olive oil. Strain the oil and let it cool. Use a dropper to place a few drops of the oil into the affected ear. Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections.
6. Chamomile Tea for Eye Irritations
Ingredients: Chamomile tea bags, water.
Instructions: Brew a chamomile tea bag in hot water and let it cool. Use the cooled tea bag as a compress on the affected eye. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe eye irritations.
7. Lavender Oil for Minor Burns and Cuts
Ingredients: Lavender essential oil, carrier oil (like coconut oil or olive oil).
Instructions: Dilute a few drops of lavender essential oil in a carrier oil. Apply the mixture to minor burns and cuts. Lavender oil has antiseptic and pain-relieving properties.
8. Coconut Oil for Dry Skin and Minor Abrasions
Ingredients: Coconut oil.
Instructions: Apply coconut oil directly to dry skin or minor abrasions. Coconut oil has moisturizing and antimicrobial properties.
9. Peppermint Oil for Headaches
Ingredients: Peppermint essential oil, carrier oil.
Instructions: Dilute a few drops of peppermint essential oil in a carrier oil. Massage the mixture onto the temples and back of the neck. Peppermint oil can help alleviate headaches and provide a cooling sensation.
10. Epsom Salt Bath for Muscle Soreness
Ingredients: Epsom salt, warm water.
Instructions: Add a cup of Epsom salt to a warm bath and soak for 15-20 minutes. Epsom salt helps to relax muscles and reduce soreness.
Always perform a patch test before using any new remedy to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
Consult a healthcare professional before using any remedy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
For serious injuries or infections, seek professional medical attention.
Having a well-stocked, non-toxic first aid kit can provide peace of mind and ensure you’re prepared for minor emergencies. Tailor your kit to your family’s specific needs, including any allergies or common injuries.
More Non-Toxic Inspiration
