In the latest installment of the American saga that is “How is my consumer product going to kill me?” it appears that a certain brand of condom may contain PFAS, which is considered a cancer-causing agent.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals used in products like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and water-resistant fabrics. They’re often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment. Studies suggest PFAS exposure may increase the risk of certain cancers, including kidney and testicular cancer.
While a potential PFAS-condom connection is alarming, it is one among many consumer product contamination reports that have made headlines in recent months. For instance, DX reported on tampons that tested positive for lead, and apparently, some shellfish are turning up with fiberglass in them.
Anyway, here is some of what Newsweek reported on an alleged PFAS-condom connection:
America’s #1 condom” is under fire over claims that they contain toxic “forever chemicals” and are unfit for their intended purpose.
The claims have been put forward by plaintiff Matthew Goodman in a proposed class action lawsuit filed in Manhattan on Monday against manufacturing company Church & Dwight. Goodman said that independent lab testing of the Trojan Ultra-Thin condoms revealed the presence of organic fluorine, which is a possible indicator of forever chemicals.
PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, are a class of chemicals that can be found in a range of everyday products, from toilet paper to food packaging, cosmetics and dental floss. Nicknamed forever chemicals, these compounds break down very slowly over time and stick around in their surrounding environment.
The widespread nature of these chemicals is concerning as numerous studies have found associations between PFAS exposure and increased blood cholesterol and blood pressure, reduced immunity, reproductive issues and an increased risk of certain cancers, the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry reports.