Trojan condoms contain ‘permanently toxic chemicals’ linked to cancer: lawsuit

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

In a proposed class-action lawsuit filed in Manhattan federal court, plaintiff Matthew Goodman said Church & Dwight’s products, advertised as “America’s No. 1 Condom,” are unfit for their intended purpose because they contain substances per- and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS.

Goodman said independent lab testing of Trojan Ultra Thin condoms he bought at 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 indicated on the label that the products contained PFAS chemicals and the harm that could result from contact with the PFAS chemicals, he would not have purchased the products, or at least would have been willing to pay much more little,” he added.

The complaint seeks at least $5 million in damages from NJ-based Ewing, Church & Dwight for Trojan condom buyers nationwide.

Church & Dwight did not immediately respond to requests for comment after market hours. The plaintiff’s attorneys did not immediately respond to similar requests.

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

PFAS are found in hundreds of consumer and commercial products, including cosmetics, non-stick pans and stain-resistant clothing.

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

PFAS have been linked to adverse 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, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 24-06813.