A lawsuit filed Monday alleges that Trojan condoms contain toxic “forever chemicals” linked to cancer, raising concerns about their safety.
In a proposed class action submitted to Manhattan federal court, plaintiff Matthew Goodman claims that Church & Dwight, the manufacturer of Trojan condoms, misleads consumers by marketing their products as “America’s #1 Condom.” Goodman argues that the condoms are unfit for use due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been associated with serious health risks.
Goodman’s claims are based on independent lab tests conducted on the Trojan Ultra Thin condoms he purchased from a Manhattan pharmacy. These tests reportedly detected organic fluorine, a key component of PFAS chemicals, which is rarely found outside of synthetic products.
The lawsuit states that Goodman reasonably believed the condoms were safe based on the product’s labeling. “Had the defendant disclosed the presence of PFAS chemicals and the associated risks, he would not have purchased the product or would have paid significantly less,” the complaint says.
The lawsuit seeks at least $5 million in damages for consumers who purchased Trojan condoms across the United States. Church & Dwight, based in Ewing, New Jersey, has yet to respond to the allegations. Lawyers representing the plaintiff have also not commented.
In July, the consumer advocacy blog Mamavation published test results showing a possible presence of PFAS in several popular condoms and lubricants, including Trojan Ultra Thin condoms.
PFAS are commonly found in everyday products such as cosmetics, non-stick cookware, and stain-resistant fabrics. They are referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down easily in the human body or environment. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to health problems including high cholesterol, low birth weights, weakened vaccine responses, and an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer.
