Trojan condoms contain “forever chemicals,” lawsuit claims

A new lawsuit claims Trojan condoms are unsafe because they contain toxic “forever chemicals” that have been linked to cancer.

In a proposed class action filed in federal court in Manhattan, plaintiff Matthew Goodman said Church & Dwight’s CHD.N products, advertised as the “No. 1 of America”, are not fit for purpose because they contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. .

Goodman said independent lab tests of Trojan Ultra Thin condoms he bought from a Manhattan pharmacy found the presence of organofluorine, which is “virtually non-existent” outside of its use in man-made PFAS chemicals .

“Based on the label, he reasonably believed the product was safe for use on his genitals,” the complaint said, referring to Goodman.

“If the defendant had disclosed on the label that the products contained PFAS chemicals and the harm that can result from contact with the PFAS chemicals, he would not have purchased the products or, at the very least, would have only been willing to pay significantly less,” he said. added this one.

The complaint seeks at least $5 million in damages from Ewing, New Jersey-based Church & Dwight for buyers of Trojan condoms nationwide.

Church & Dwight did not immediately respond to requests for comment after business hours. Lawyers for the plaintiff did not immediately respond to similar requests.

In July, consumer advocacy blog Mamavation said tests of 29 popular condoms and lubricants found several with the possible presence of PFAS, including Trojan Ultra Thin condoms.

PFASs are found in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including cosmetics, nonstick pans, and stain-resistant clothing.

They have become known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the human body or the environment.

PFAS have been linked to negative health effects, including higher cholesterol, low birth weight and reduced antibody response to vaccines, as well as kidney and testicular cancer.

The case is Goodman v. Church & Dwight Co, US District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-06813.

(Reporting by Stempel in New York; Editing by Stephen Coates)