Researchers Find Forever Chemicals in Condoms — but These Brands are PFAS-Free

PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals due to how long they take to break down, have been detected in a surprising new place, according to research by Mamavation. Testing is showing that PFAS — which is the abbreviation for per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances — have been detected in condoms and sexual lubricants.

Keep reading to learn more about this discovery, which brands are PFAS-free, and why you should still reach for the condoms when you're getting busy.

Mamavation conducted the research, and explained how the team sent a mix of condoms and lubricants out to an EPA-certified third-party lab for testing.

Of the 29 items that were examined during Mamavation's partnership with Environmental Health News, six of them tested positive for organic fluorine. Organic fluorine is the chemical that is typically used in these types of tests due to the fact that all known PFAS contain this compound.

Across those six products, the levels were between 13 and 68 parts per million (ppm) across the four products, which is above the 10 ppm that Mamavation uses to determine a positive detection. This is something that head researcher Linda Birnbaum was especially worried about, prompting her to make an open request to condom and lubricant manufacturers.

"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," she Birnbaum. "The vagina and penis are incredibly vascular areas and dermal exposure to these areas are often higher than other places of the body."

Exposure to PFAS is correlated with everything from fertility impacts to increased cancer risks, so it makes sense that Birnbaum would feel so strongly about this.

• Trojan Ultra Thin Condoms for Ultra Sensitivity
• Union Standard Ultra Thin Lubricated Male Latex Condoms
• K-Y Jelly Classic Water-Based Personal Lubricant
• Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal
• P.S. Moisturizing & Healing Hypoallergenic 100% Vegan Premium Lube
• uberlube Silicone Lube.

The news isn't all bad though. In addition to detecting PFAS in certain brands, more brands than not — a whopping 86 percent — showed no levels of PFAS. A few of the condoms on that list include:

• Glyde Ultra Standard Fit Ultra Thin Condoms
• P.S. Good Times Exceptionally Thin Latex Condoms
• Sustain Natural Ultra Thin Lubricated Latex Condoms.

And the PFAS-free lubricants on the list include:

• Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer Natural Aloe 95% organic aloe vera vitamin E enriched
• Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with Organic Botanicals Intimacy
• Honey Pot Organic Moisturizing Lubricant Organic Strawberry Intimate.

While it's scary to learn that PFAS are showing up in condoms on lubricants, it's worth noting that it's still incredibly important to use these devices. Not only can condoms prevent the transmission of STIs, but they can also help to prevent unwanted pregnancies. With so many options on the market that don't contain PFAS, you should be able to find a quality product that allows you to experience the benefits of safe sex without risking your health and well-being.