Lead in a Popular Blender, a Resistance Band Recall, and Lower-PFAS Bandages: What Should You Know in 2025?

Consumer Reports recently rounded up three unrelated but important product safety stories: a warning about lead in a popular kitchen blender, a recall of resistance bands, and news about bandage brands with lower PFAS ("forever chemicals") content. Here's what happened, who's affected, and what you should do next.

What happened this month in consumer product safety?

According to Consumer Reports, testing and reporting turned up three separate issues consumers should know about: elevated lead levels detected in a widely sold blender, a manufacturer recall of resistance exercise bands over a safety hazard, and new information about bandage products that contain lower amounts of PFAS chemicals than competitors. None of these stories are connected, but together they're a reminder that everyday household and fitness products can carry hidden risks that aren't always obvious from the packaging.

Is my Black+Decker blender affected by lead concerns?

Consumer Reports flagged the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender specifically, advising people who own this model to stop using it. The concern centers on lead detected in parts of the blender that could come into contact with food or drink. Lead is a heavy metal with no known safe level of exposure, and health agencies including the CDC and EPA note that lead exposure is associated with developmental and neurological effects, particularly in young children, as well as other health concerns in adults over time.

If you own this specific blender model, Consumer Reports' advice is straightforward: discontinue use until you have more information from the manufacturer or retailer about a possible remedy, refund, or replacement.

Which resistance bands were recalled, and why does it matter?

The report also covered a recall of resistance exercise bands, a popular home fitness accessory. Recalls like this are typically issued when a product poses a physical safety hazard, such as a risk of snapping, breaking, or causing injury during use. Consumer Reports advises checking whether your specific band model and lot number match the recalled product, since not every band from a brand is necessarily included in a recall.

Resistance band recalls tend to move quickly through fitness retailers and gyms, so even if you didn't buy the bands directly, it's worth checking with any gym or studio that uses shared equipment.

Are there bandages with lower PFAS levels now?

Perhaps the most relevant PFAS-specific news in this roundup: Consumer Reports highlighted that some bandage brands now test lower for PFAS chemicals than others on the market. PFAS, sometimes called "forever chemicals" because they persist in the environment and human body, have been found in a range of adhesive and water-resistant products, including bandages, due to their use in waterproof coatings and adhesives.

Health agencies, including the EPA and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, note that PFAS exposure has been associated with a range of health effects in scientific studies, including impacts on cholesterol levels, immune response, and certain cancers. These are associations found in research, not proof that any single product or exposure causes a specific health outcome. Still, because bandages are applied directly to skin, often on wounds, minimizing unnecessary chemical exposure is a reasonable precaution for many households.

Why does this news matter for your household?

Individually, a blender, a resistance band, and a box of bandages might seem like minor purchases. But these stories illustrate a broader pattern: everyday products across categories, kitchenware, fitness gear, first-aid supplies, can contain contaminants or defects that aren't disclosed on packaging and often only come to light through independent testing or after injuries are reported. Consumer Reports' testing plays a role similar to independent PFAS testing efforts: identifying which products carry higher or lower levels of concerning substances so shoppers can make more informed choices.

What should you do right now?

• Blender owners: If you have the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230, stop using it and watch for updates from the company or the Consumer Product Safety Commission about next steps.
• Resistance band users: Check your product against the official recall notice, including model numbers, and stop using any band that matches.
• Shoppers buying bandages: Consider looking for brands that have been independently reported to test lower in PFAS, and check labels for any "water-resistant" or "stain-resistant" marketing claims, which can sometimes signal PFAS treatment.
• Anyone unsure about a product: Use a resource like PFAS Database's product finder to look up how specific brands and categories compare, and review our methodology page to understand how products are evaluated for PFAS content.

Bottom Line

This month's Consumer Reports roundup is a reminder to stay alert across product categories, not just PFAS-specific ones. If you own the affected blender, stop using it immediately. Check any resistance bands against the recall list. And when shopping for bandages or other adhesive products, choosing a brand associated with lower PFAS levels is a reasonable step for reducing unnecessary chemical exposure, though it's not a guarantee of zero exposure, since testing methods and detection limits vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Black+Decker PowerCrush BL1230 blender the only model affected?

Consumer Reports' warning specifically named the BL1230 model. If you own a different Black+Decker blender, it's still worth checking for any manufacturer updates, but this particular warning was tied to that specific product.

Do all bandage brands contain PFAS?

Not necessarily, and levels vary widely by brand and product line. Consumer Reports found that some brands test lower than others, but PFAS testing across the bandage category isn't standardized, so results can differ depending on the specific product and batch tested.

What should I do if I can't tell whether my resistance bands were recalled?

Check the packaging or product tag for model and lot numbers, then compare them against the official recall announcement from the manufacturer or the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's website. When in doubt, discontinue use until you can confirm.