Popular brands of condoms and lubricants, including Trojan and K-Y Jelly, have been found to contain alarming levels of PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” according to new research.
Testing conducted by Mamavation, a women’s health advocacy group, revealed that some products contained significant amounts of these toxic chemicals. PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, taking thousands of years to break down.
They have been linked to various health issues, including cancer, infertility, and pregnancy complications.
The study, carried out in a government-grade laboratory, analyzed 29 reproductive health products for the presence of fluorine, a marker of PFAS.
The results showed concerning levels in several items. Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms for Ultra Sensitivity contained 13 parts per million (ppm) of fluorine, surpassing the safety threshold of 10 ppm.
Union Standard Ultra Thin Lubricated Male Latex Condoms had nearly double this amount at 25 ppm. Among lubricants, K-Y Jelly Classic Water-Based Personal Lubricant and Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal also showed high levels of PFAS, with readings of 13 ppm and 39 ppm, respectively.
Researchers highlighted the particular risks associated with exposing the genitals to PFAS. Both the penis and vagina have thin skin and a high concentration of blood vessels, which can facilitate the absorption of these chemicals into the bloodstream.
This increases the potential for PFAS to travel to other organs and cause harm.
Teresa Heinz, a researcher at the Green Science Policy Institute, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue.
“It is chemically certain that the female reproductive tract will be contaminated by some of the chemicals in condoms,” she stated 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.”
PFAS are used in a wide range of consumer products to repel water and oil, from non-stick cookware to water-resistant clothing.
However, their use in reproductive health products is particularly concerning due to the sensitive nature of the areas they contact.
The chemicals have been linked to reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruption, affecting fertility, sperm counts, and pregnancy outcomes.
The study’s findings come as researchers discover that human skin absorbs PFAS at higher rates than previously understood. Despite the widespread use of these chemicals, regulatory measures at the federal level remain limited, though some states are beginning to impose restrictions.
Consumer advocates and health experts are calling for immediate action to remove PFAS from condoms and lubricants to protect public health.
“The presence of these chemicals in such sensitive products is unacceptable,” Linda Birnbaum, a former head of the Environmental Protection Agency’s toxicology program, said in the report. “The industry must act swiftly to address this issue.”
