Condom market in Russia
Female condoms
2024: Cancer-causing 'eternal chemicals' found in popular condoms and intimate lubricants
At the end of July 2024, it became known that some popular condoms and intimate lubricants contain the so-called "eternal chemicals" - substances from the PFAS group (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl compounds). They can provoke various health problems, including the development of malignancies.
The PFAS group includes approximately 15 thousand chemicals, which are often used to make products resistant to water, stains and heat. These compounds do not decay naturally, which is why they are called "eternal chemicals." Meanwhile, their high content can lead to problems with the liver, thyroid gland, kidneys, etc. In addition, PFAS are considered reproductive toxicants and endocrine disruptors: due to these substances, different abnormalities can be observed - low birth weight, decreased sperm count, high blood pressure in pregnancy, infertility, and shorter duration of breastfeeding. PFAS are also thought to contribute to some cancers.
During the study, experts assessed the presence of fluorine - a marker of PFAS - in various products. It has been established that it is present in ultra-thin Trojan condoms, which can be purchased including in Russia. In addition, dangerous substances were found in Union Standart condoms, KY Jelly Classic water-based lubricant, Lola Tingling Mint Pleasure Gel and some other intimate goods.
Since condoms are exposed to the most sensitive areas of the human body in both men and women, I strongly recommend that manufacturers immediately stop using PFAS chemicals, says Linda Birnbaum, scientific consultant at the Mamavation Consumer Protection Project.[1] |
2021: California banned from removing condom before sexual intercourse ends
In October 2021, California became the first state to ban the theft or removal of a condom without the permission of a carrier during sexual intercourse, after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a related bill.
The new measure amends California's civil code by adding the act to the civil definition of sexual assault. This makes it clear that victims can sue offenders for damages, including punitive damages for defendants regardless of their gender.
Democratic Assemblywoman Christina Garcia initially tried to make it a crime in 2017 after a 2017 Yale study found that condom theft acts had increased in frequency against both women and gay people. Legislative analysts in 2018 said this could already be considered sexual assault, although it is rarely prosecuted because it is difficult to prove that the perpetrator acted intentionally rather than accidentally.
The Erotic Services Legal Education Research Project supported the bill, saying it could allow sex workers to sue clients who specifically remove condoms to get a brighter sense of intimacy. Lawmakers in New York and Wisconsin have previously proposed similar laws.
This law is the first of its kind in the country, but I urge other states to follow California's lead and make it clear that theft is not only immoral, but also illegal! Rape, there's rape... And allowing marriage is not an excuse to commit one of the most violent and sadistic crimes in society, "said Democratic Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia. |
Gov. Gavin Newsom also approved Christina Garcia's second bill, which treats spousal rape in the same way as non-spousal rape, removing an exception to rape law if the victim is married to an offender. This exception refers to an era when women were expected to obey their husbands. California was one of 11 states to distinguish between spousal rape and other forms of sexual violence.
There are no differences in the maximum penalties, but those convicted of marital rape on October 8, 2021 can receive a suspended sentence instead of prison or imprisonment. Under current law, they must be registered as sex offenders only if force or violence was used on a partner during sex when committing a crime.[2]
2020: Condom shortages
At the end of March 2020, the world's largest condom manufacturer Karex Industries reported a shortage of these products, which is associated with the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Read more here.