German Study Says Condoms Contain Cancer-causing Chemical

• The condoms exuded huge amounts of cancer-causing N-Nitrosamine from its rubber coating

• Researchers measured amounts of N-Nitrosamine

• There is a pressing need for manufacturers to tackle this problem

• N-Nitrosamine does not present an immediate health risk

• Authorities are also withholding the name of the affected manufacturers for fear of litigation

July 15, 2012 - 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."