Call for N-9 removal
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
Coalition of more than 85 scientists, health groups is pushing for condom, sexual lubricant manufacturers to voluntarily remove nonoxynol-9 from products due to spermicide's potential to increase STD risk when used rectally. Global Campaign for Microbicides, which is spearheading the 1N-9 initiative, notes several firms have agreed to reformulate; Mayer Labs will relaunch Aqua-Lube Plus sexual lubricant and Kimono condoms without N-9 in 2003. However, coalition says three largest condom manufacturers - Church & Dwight (Trojan), Ansell (Lifestyles) and SSL International (Durex) - have refused, noting N-9 lubrication on condoms provides women with back-up protection against pregnancy. Group also is encouraging retailers to voluntarily remove N-9 items from shelves. Call for action is based on recent WHO, CDC recommendations against N-9 use in certain populations (2"The Tan Sheet" July 8, 2002, p. 17)...