Here's the story released on May 28, 2004 by Reuters Health:
BERLIN (Reuters) - Most condoms contain a cancer-causing chemical and their manufacture should be subject to greater quality control, a German scientific research institute said Friday. The Chemical and Veterinary Investigation Institute in Stuttgart, Germany, said it found the carcinogen N-Nitrosamine present in 29 of 32 types of condoms it tested in simulated conditions. "N-Nitrosamine is one of the most carcinogenic substances," the study's authors said. "There is a pressing need for manufacturers to tackle this problem." The carcinogen is thought to be present in a substance used to improve condom elasticity. When the rubber material comes in contact with human bodily fluids, it can release traces of N-Nitrosamine, the study said. Local government officials said condom users should not stop using rubber contraceptives based on results of the study because N-Nitrosamine does not present an immediate health danger. But Germany's Federal Institute for Risk Assessment said that daily condom use exposed users to N-Nitrosamine levels up to three times higher than levels naturally present in food.
So, while it's accurate to say that many condoms contain a chemical that can lead to cancer, it would be an exaggeration to say that people who use condoms will get cancer from them. For example, my garden hose says that it contains materials that are "known to the state of California to cause cancer." But I'm still going to use it to wash off my basketball court. Now, the problem with condoms is more serious, because, as the study says, we're talking about "one of the most carcinogenic substances," and the manufacturers haven't done much about it.
But because our world is infatuated with contraception, you can be sure that everyone will down-play this study, and say, "it's no excuse for unprotected sex." Too bad they can't see this as further evidence that we're just not meant to neuter each other.