Are condoms a greater health risk than the std's they don't really protect
against?

It is politically correct to advocate condoms but every day the evidence
increases that they do little to protect and may pose a very serious
health risk. It is hard for the CDC and FDA to examine these risks as they
have been so vocal in promoting condoms but could their silence lead to
dire consequences. I for one having done exaustive research strongly feel
so.

"...... new concerns are arising regarding allergic or other toxic
reactions to various components of latex condoms such as vulcanization
accelerators, latex proteins, spermicides and finishing powders."

"* Studies are needed to evaluate the best lubricants to use in the
manufacture of condoms. Evidence suggests that the right quantity, type
and placement of lubricant is important for condom functionality,
acceptability and safety.

In addition, the added value and risk presented by spermicidal lubricants
and by dry finishing powders (e.g. talc or cornstarch) should be
critically examined."

"Since the late 1980s the reported incidence
of allergy to natural rubber latex has increased dramatically, as much as
12 -fold."

"Latex allergy is incurable, although the symptoms, such as itching,
soreness, painful blistering, runny noses, swollen eyes, asthma symptoms
and anaphylaxis can be ameliorated.

Everyone who has contact wi th natural rubber latex is potentially at risk
from sensitisation.

Both patients and health care workers can be at risk from allergic
reactions to natural rubber latex. Over the past decade, allergic
reactions to natural
rubber latex have become a major public health concern."

" Once a person has developed latex allergy, however mild, they are
“sensitised” to latex and are at risk from severe allergic reactions."

"Delayed cell-mediated reactions are the most common form of
hypersensitivity reaction to natural rubber latex. These reactions are to
individual chemical residues from the production process such as
accelerants used in the vulcanisation process which is required to
strengthen the product.

The residual chemicals may bloo on the surface of the products and can be
absorbed through the skin upon contact."

"Potent Carcinogen found in Most Condoms

Recent study has discovered the presence of a very potent carcinogen in
most condoms. Small amounts of this chemical are released whenever condoms
are used.

Nobody knows whether this is serious yet however it is not likely to be
healthy to expose the reproductive organs to cancer-causing substances on
a regular basis.

This is a potentially serious issue for much of the world's population
that cannot afford or access other forms of birth control. I hope further
studies will follow on this soon. Could this be related to the rise in
cancer in women, and men as well? "

"Talc...(on condoms)...may result in fallopian tube fibrosis with
resultant infertility. Question raised by Doctors Kasper and Chandler in
Journal of the American Medical Association. (JAMA) 3/15/95
-from Nutrition Health Review, Summer 1995 n73p8(1)"

"A possible tie between talcum powder and ovarian cancer, long suspected
because of talc's chemical similarity to asbestos, was strongly supported
last week when a study found a higher risk of the cancer among women who
used feminine deodorant sprays. The study, published in the American
Journal of Epidemiology, found that women who used talcum powder in the
genital area had an increased ovarian cancer risk of 60% and women who
used feminine deodorant sprays had a 90% increased risk."

-from The University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, April 1993
v9n7p1

"Benzene. In addition to the effect on fertility, some researchers believe
overexposure to chemicals may also contribute to testicular cancers. In
fact, a 2000 study concluded that there was a link between sperm
abnormalities and testicular cancer.
Among the study participants, men in couples with fertility problems were
more likely to develop testicular cancer. In addition, low semen
concentration, poor sperm motility, and abnormal sperm morphology were all
associated with increased risk for testicular cancer."

"a recent Lancet study (2002;360:971-977) found frequent use may in fact
increase the risk of HIV transmission.
The head of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, Don Baxter,
said up to 10 percent of condoms sold in Australia include nonoxynol-9 as
a lubricant. "Not a high percentage of condoms use nonoxynol-9, it's
usually a particular brand, but they are fairly widely available," he
said. Baxter advised all gay men to avoid using condoms with nonoxynol-9
and said AFAO would call for the product to be withdrawn from pharmacy
shelves. "

"The allergens that cause reactions in individuals with spina bifida are
particle bound proteins that are less able to be dissolved in water than
some of the other latex proteins"

*  Talc - This is found in baby powders, face powders, body powders as
well as some contraceptives such as condoms.  Talc is a known carcinogen
and is a major cause of ovarian cancer when used in the genital area.  It
can be harmful if inhaled as it can lodge in the lungs, causing
respiratory disorders."

Condoms contain compounds known to cause cancer and serious birth defects
in substantial quantities

SOURCES. Condom Industry web site, medical publications and Beacon
Pharmaceuticals.