German Study Says Condoms Contain Cancer-causing Chemical.
From Deutsche Welle July 16th, 2012. Find Full Article Here:-
A German scientific research institute has warned that most condoms on the market contain a cancer-causing chemical and has urged that their manufacture be subjected to stringent quality control.
The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Institute in Stuttgart said on Friday it had found the carcinogen N-Nitrosamine in 29 of 32 types of condoms it tested in simulated conditions.
The condoms, which were kept in a solution with artificial sweat, exuded huge amounts of cancer-causing N-Nitrosamine from its rubber coating. Researchers measured amounts of N-Nitrosamine, that were way above the prescribed limits for other rubber products such as baby pacifiers.
“N-Nitrosamine is one of the most carcinogenic substances,” the study’s authors said. “There is a pressing need for manufacturers to tackle this problem.”
The study said that the carcinogen is thought to be present in a substance used to improve condom elasticity. When the rubber material comes in contact with human bodily fluids, it can release traces of N-Nitrosamine.
No immediate health risk
But since there are no prescribed limits of N-Nitrosamine for condoms, the study hasn’t caused panic among manufacturers or mass-recalling of the products from counters.
Local government officials said condom users should not stop using rubber contraceptives based on the results of the study because N-Nitrosamine does not present an immediate health risk.
The Baden-Würtemmberg Social Ministry said it didn’t think “it posed a risk.” Authorities are also withholding the name of the affected manufacturers for fear of litigation.
The Truth is Where? 