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Top-selling condom and lube brands contain cancer-causing PFAS 'forever chemicals', researchers warn
Popular brands of condoms and lubricants contain dangerous amounts of toxic PFAS 'forever chemicals' linked to cancer, research has shown.
Some Trojan condoms and K-Y jelly lube and gels had high levels of the microscopic particles that are absorbed through the skin and cause untold damage in the body.
Researchers warned that genitals are particularly dangerous organs to expose to PFAS because penis and vagina skin is thin and contains lots of blood vessels.
This increases the risk the chemicals - which are linked to infertility, sperm damage and pregnancy complications - get into the blood stream where they can travel to other organs.
Popular brands of condoms and lubricants contain dangerous amounts of toxins (stock)
It is thought that the chemicals end up in the products to help repel moisture and liquid during sex.
The testing was carried out by Mamavation, a women's health advocacy group, at a government-grade laboratory.
Researchers checked for the presence of fluorine, a sign of PFAS, in 29 reproductive health products.
Fluorine is used in creating nuclear material for nuclear power plans and insulating electric towers, along with making plastics like Teflon.
It was found at 13 parts per million in the Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms for Ultra Sensitivity, more than the 10ppm danger level.
Fluorine was found at nearly double the level in the Union Standard Ultra Thin Lubricated Male Latex Condoms (25 ppm)
Among the lubes with the highest levels were K-Y Jelly Classic Water-Based Personal Lubricant (13ppm) and Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal (39ppm).
Overall, the report found that six out of the 29 products tested (20 percent) had unsafe amounts of PFAS.
'It is chemically certain that the female reproductive tract will be contaminated by some of the chemicals in condoms.' Teresa Heinz, a Green Science Policy Institute researcher, said in the report.
'Because condoms are an exposure to the most sensitive areas on the human body for both men and women, I would strongly recommend the industry identify and remove these chemicals immediately,' Birnbaum wrote.
PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are microscopic substances that take thousands of years to break down in the environment or human body, hence their nickname 'forever chemicals'.
Their main purpose is to repel water and oil, which is what makes non-stick cookware easier to clean and why certain jackets and tents can withstand rain.
But the chemicals can seep into the water supply from washing dishes and can enter food if packaging is made to be grease-resistant or if the non-stick coating on pots and pans begins to deteriorate.
PFAS are also common in pesticides used to feed crops, which produces chemical-rich runoff that can enter the drinking water supply.
They have been linked to multiple cancers, asthma, fertility problems, obesity, birth defects, diabetes and autism.