Best-selling condom and lubricant brands contain cancer-causing PFAS ‘forever chemicals,’ researchers warn
Research has found that popular brands of condoms and lubricants contain dangerous levels of toxic PFAS, which have been linked to cancer.
Some Trojan condoms and KY Jelly lubricants and gels contain high concentrations of microscopic particles that are absorbed through the skin and cause untold damage in the body.
Researchers warn that genitals are particularly dangerous organs to expose to PFAS because the skin of the penis and vagina is thin and contains many blood vessels.
This increases the risk that the chemicals, which have been linked to infertility, sperm damage and complications during pregnancy, will enter the bloodstream and reach other organs.
Popular brands of condoms and lubricants contain dangerous levels of toxins (stock)
It is thought that the chemicals get into the products to repel moisture and fluids during sex.
The tests were conducted by Mamavation, a women’s health advocacy group, in a government-grade laboratory.
Researchers checked 29 reproductive health products for the presence of fluoride, a sign of PFAS.
Fluorine is used in the production of nuclear materials for nuclear power plants, in the insulation of electricity pylons and in the production of plastics such as Teflon.
In the Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms for Ultra Sensitivity a concentration of 13 ppm was found, which is higher than the hazard limit of 10 ppm.
Fluorine was found at levels nearly double the amount in Union Standard Ultra Thin Lubricated Male Latex Condoms (25 ppm).
The lubricants with the highest concentrations included KY Jelly Classic Water-Based Personal Lubricant (13 ppm) and Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal (39 ppm).
The report found that six of the 29 products tested (20 percent) contained unsafe levels of PFAS.
“It is chemically certain that the female reproductive tract will be contaminated by some of the chemicals in condoms,” Teresa Heinz, a researcher at the Green Science Policy Institute, said in the report.
“Because condoms expose the most sensitive parts of the human body, for both men and women, I strongly urge the industry to immediately identify and remove these chemicals,” Birnbaum wrote.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are microscopic substances that take thousands of years to break down in the environment or the human body. Hence the nickname ‘eternal chemicals’.
Their main function is to repel water and oil, making non-stick pans easier to clean and some jackets and tents resistant to rain.
But the chemicals can leak into water through dishwashing and into food if packaging has been grease-proofed or if the non-stick coating on pots and pans begins to deteriorate.
PFAS are also common in pesticides used to fertilize crops, creating chemical waste that can end up in drinking water supplies.
They have been linked to various forms of cancer, asthma, fertility problems, obesity, birth defects, diabetes and autism.
