Several brands of condoms and lubricants contain alarming levels of toxic PFAS chemicals, including popular brands such as Trojan and KY Jelly. The testing , conducted by consumer advocacy blog Mamavation, comes as researchers discovered that human skin absorbs the chemicals at much higher levels than previously thought.
The skin of the genitals is thin and they have a high level of blood vessels, which makes them particularly dangerous to be exposed to PFAS.
"Skin exposure in these areas is often higher than other parts of the body," said Linda Birnbaum, scientific advisor.
PFAS are a class of about 15,000 chemicals that are often used to make products water, stain and heat resistant. These chemicals do not break down and are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid problems, birth defects, kidney disease, lowered immunity and other serious health problems.
PFAS are also considered reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors, linked to low birth weight, low sperm mass, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, infertility, and shorter duration of breastfeeding.
Chemicals are used in condoms to help latex repel moisture and fluids. "It is chemically certain that the reproductive tracts of girls and women will be contaminated by some of the chemicals in condoms," Teresa Heinz, a researcher at the Green Science Policy Institute, said in the report.
The testing, conducted by an Environmental Protection Agency-certified lab and commissioned by Mamavation, checked for the presence of fluoride, a marker of PFAS, in 29 reproductive health products.
It was found in "Trojan Ultra Thin" condoms for "Ultra Sensitivity". Among the lubricants were personal lubricant "KY Jelly Classic", "Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel".
PFAS are used in thousands of consumer products from clothing to makeup to food packaging, but there are federal regulations about it. However, consumer advocates and some state-level bans on specific uses are creating pressure on the industry to stop using the chemicals.
"Because condoms are an exposure to the most sensitive areas of the human body for both men and women, I would recommend that the industry immediately identify and remove these chemicals," Birnbaum wrote.
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