Council's test continues to uncover leaky condoms - CHOICE # 394 (August 14, 2009)

Leaky condoms remain a matter of grave concern to users.

The problem was again detected in the latest Consumer Council test on this product albeit a slight reduction in the failure rate of defective condoms than previously.

Defective condoms with leakage problem are potentially a serious concern as condoms assume a crucial role in the prevention of pregnancy, and sexually transmitted diseases including AIDS.

Not only will they give users a false sense of security but also will expose them to the very risk for which the product is designed to protect.

In the test, which is the 7th by the Council since 1988, leakage was detected in the samples of 13 of the 37 models marketed under 11 brandnames.

About 25,000 pieces of condom samples were used in the various test items. The test and sampling methods were adapted from condom standard ISO4074:2002 and sampling standard ISO2859-1.

A total of 11,655 samples - 315 per model - were put to the test on leakage.

It was found that altogether 19 samples had leakage problem. This represents a failure rate of 0.16% compared with 0.19% in the 2005 test.

The ISO standard has stipulated that leakage in condoms should not be in excess of the acceptable number of defective samples of 2 per 315 samples.

Accordingly, 2 of the 13 models, both found with 3 leaky samples, were judged unsatisfactory in failing to meet with the ISO requirements.

In addition, 1 of the 2 models in question was also judged unsatisfactory in bursting strength.

The standard stipulates that the bursting pressure of latex condoms (2 of the 37 test models are made of polyurethane, marketed to people allergic to latex) shall be not less than 1.0 kPa.

And the bursting volume shall be not less than, for instance, 18.0 dm3 in the case of condoms with a width greater than or equal to 50.0mm and up to 56.0mm.

The test found 24 of the 35 latex models to have samples that failed to measure up to the ISO bursting requirements.

One of the 24 models was subsequently judged unsatisfactory - with defective samples in excess of the acceptable 10 per 315 samples.

The 2 polyurethane (PU) models were also put to the bursting test. They were found to exhibit the characteristic physical properties of condoms made of PU - higher in bursting pressure and lower in bursting volume compared to the latex models.

But no judgment could be made to the test data as the relevant ISO standard on condoms of the synthetic material type is still in its draft form.

Further, 2 models were found to have a sample each bearing a visible defect: one in the form of permanent crease with adhesion of the film of condom, and the other in the form of an embedded particle.

Overall, all but 2 of the 35 latex condoms (nearly 95%) were rated satisfactory in all aspects of physical properties.

In terms of labeling and user instructions, 1 PU model was found to provide inadequate information in both Chinese and English.

One latex model containing the anaesthesia benzocaine is labelled as such in English only without a Chinese version.

Consumers are reminded to always check the expiry date on the package, and avoid purchasing condoms that are expired, stored in poor package condition or placed under strong light or at high temperature.

For more advice, they can refer to the test report in this August issue of CHOICE. The condoms were rated on a 5-point scale on the basis of their performance on: leakage (30%), bursting (30%), visible defects (20%), tightness in package (12.5%), labelling (7.5%).

The rating showed 21 condoms were awarded the top 5-point rating, followed by 7 (4½ points), 1 (4 points), 2 (3½ points), 2 (2½ points), 1 (2 points) and 1 (1 point). The 2 PU models were not rated.

The Council has notified the Customs and Excise Department of the test findings for any further investigation deemed necessary under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance.

CHOICE magazine is now also available online (at http://choice.yp.com.hk) and via fixed-line and mobile services of PCCW.
Members from the media who are invited by this Council to the Press Conference may quote the content of this Press Statement.

The Consumer Council reserves all its right (including copyright) in respect of CHOICE Magazine and Online CHOICE ( http://choice.yp.com.hk ).