Some popular brands of condoms and lubricants reportedly contain dangerous amounts of toxic PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ linked to cancer.

That’s the finding of a study conducted by Mamavation, a women’s advocacy group.

PFAS, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are microscopic substances that take thousands of years to break down in the environment or human body, hence their nickname ‘forever chemicals.’

According to an article from the UK’s DailyMail, some Trojan condoms and K-Y jelly lube and gels had high levels of the microscopic particles that are absorbed through the skin. Research indicates that these particles can cause immense damage in the body. Researchers have since warned that genitals are particularly dangerous organs to expose to PFAS as the skin around these sensitive areas is thin and contains lots of blood vessels

“This increases the risk the chemicals –  which are linked to infertility, sperm damage and pregnancy complications – get into the bloodstream where they can travel to other organs,” a part of the article read.

Researchers reportedly checked for the presence of fluorine, a sign of PFAS, in 29 reproductive health products. Among the lubes with the highest levels were K-Y Jelly Classic Water-Based Personal Lubricant and Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel for Spot-On Arousal.

The Dailymail reported that overall, the Mamavation report found that six out of the 29 products tested (20 per cent) had unsafe amounts of PFAS.

PFAS are also reportedly common in pesticides used to feed crops, which produces chemical-rich runoff that can enter the drinking water supply.  They have also allegedly been linked to multiple cancers, asthma, fertility problems, obesity, birth defects, diabetes and autism.