Top brands of condoms and lubricants contain ‘forever chemicals’ linked to cancer and infertility, scientists warn

‘FOREVER chemicals’ have been detected in major brands of condoms and lubricants, researchers warn.

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of widely used, long-lasting synthetic chemicals whose components decompose very slowly over time.

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Chemicals are used in industrial and consumer products – from detergents and food packaging to nonstick cookware and carpeting.

They are also found in makeup, contact lenses and dental floss.

Now, tests by US-based health advocacy group Mamavation have detected traces of PFAS in some varieties of popular condoms and lubricants, including Trojan.

With repeated exposure, PFAS can accumulate in the body over time.

Because of their widespread use, many PFAS are found in people’s blood and are present at low levels in a variety of food products and the environment, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

And these so-called “forever chemicals” have been linked to a wide variety of health problems, from Cancer, liver problems It is thyroid problemsfor birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity It is infertility.

Researchers warned the penis and vagina are particularly dangerous organs to be exposed to PFAS, as the skin is thin and the organs have a high level of blood vessels.

Linda Birnbaum, a scientific consultant at Mamavation who previously directed the EPA’s toxicology program, wrote in report: “Because condoms are an exposure to the most sensitive areas of the human body for both men and women, I strongly recommend that the industry identify and remove these chemicals immediately.

“The vagina and penis are incredibly vascular areas and dermal exposure to these areas is often greater than other parts of the body.”

The report criticized PFAS as “problematic for human health and the environment.”

“They are considered ubiquitous, persistent and toxic. In fact, many of these PFAS chemicals can last in our bodies for years or decades.”

But the authors noted that the exact health effects of PFAS exposure within the vagina and penile areas are currently unknown.

He called for reducing the amount of PFAS that people are exposed to through food, water and consumer products such as condoms and lubricants.

PFAS are likely used in condoms to help latex repel moisture and liquids.

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But the researchers suggested that the condom and lubricant industries “may have some contamination issues from manufacturing, which is common in other industries.”

Terrence Collins, Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry and Director of the Green Science Institute, said in the report: “From a chemical perspective, it makes sense that the chemicals in condoms would be absorbed by male and female reproductive tissues, so they might be present in sperm and eggs at the time of fertilization.”

He added: “Although the purpose of condoms is to block fertilization, it is chemically certain that the female reproductive tract will be contaminated by some of the chemicals in condoms.

“Therefore, we must expand security testing to evaluate these possibilities.”

The tests, carried out by an Environmental Protection Agency-certified laboratory and commissioned by Mamavation, verified the presence of fluoride – a marker of PFAS – in 29 safe sex products.

Products containing above the safe level of 10 ppm were flagged.

The researchers purchased all condoms between February and August 2023 from Walmart and Amazon, registering them in their database to send them to the laboratory for testing.

As the research was carried out in the US, many of the condoms and lubricants tested are not available to buy in the UK.

The safe sex products were tested for organic fluoride, which researchers said is a marker for PFAS because all PFAS chemicals are carbon-based compounds that contain fluoride.

Their marker testing method — a test that measures the amount of substances — “will likely show the presence of PFAS,” researchers said.

The tests found indications of PFAS in 12 percent of the condoms tested – meaning three out of every 25 condoms had detectable levels of organic fluoride above 10 ppm.

However, 25 percent of lubricants had PFAS indications.

Laboratory tests found detectable total organic fluoride – “which indicates the possibility of containing ‘forever chemicals’ PFAS” – in Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms for Ultra Sensitivity.

The product contained 13 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluoride, according to researchers.

However, tests performed on a second package of ultra-thin Trojan condoms did not detect fluoride.

Laboratory testing also identified the compound in Union Standard’s ultra-thin lubricated latex male condoms, finding 25 ppm of organic fluoride.

A second package of the same product was flagged for containing 68 ppm of fluoride.

These two condoms are available to buy in the UK.

Higher than safe levels of chemicals were also detected in four lubricants.

Researchers detected 13 ppm organic fluoride in KY Jelly Classic water-based personal lubricant and 32 ppm organic fluoride in uberlube Silicone Lube – both products are available in the UK.

The Sun has contacted the companies mentioned for comment.

Testing also detected 39 ppm of fluoride in Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal and 25 ppm of the chemical in PS Moisturizing & Healing Hypoallergenic 100% Vegan Premium Lube Organic Aloe & Plant-Based.

‘Best’ condoms and lubricants

The researchers also provided a list of safe products that they classified as “best” due to the fact that PFAS were not detected in them, as well as transparency for companies in providing a full breakdown of products.

These included Glyde Ultra Standard Fit ultra-thin condoms, PS Good Times exceptionally thin latex condoms and Sustain Natural ultra-thin lubricated latex condoms.

As for lubricants, researchers rated Cadabra Natural Aloe Personal Lubricant and Moisturizer 95% organic aloe Vera vitamin E enriched in the best way, followed by Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with Organic Botanicals Intimacy and Honey Pot Organic Moisturizing Lubricant Organic Strawberry Intimate.

When it comes to safe sex, the best way to reduce your risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to use protection during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

However, lubricant can be helpful in reducing friction and combating vaginal dryness – as a result, it can make sex more pleasurable and enjoyable.