Once approved, a proposed new ASTM standard would provide the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and personal lubricant manufacturers a means to evaluate the effect of a lubricant on the physical integrity of condoms. No standard currently exists for this type of testing.

Manufacturers of condoms and rubber gloves as well as personal lubricants are welcome to join in the development of ASTM WK21425, Test Method for the Determination of Lubricant Compatibility with Condoms. The proposed new standard is under the jurisdiction of Subcommittee D11.40 on Consumer Rubber Products, part of ASTM International Committee D11 on Rubber.

According to Stephen Kolakowsky, director of regulatory affairs, Church & Dwight Co. Inc., and chair of Task Group D11.40.01 on Condoms, other recent work undertaken by task group includes revisions to ASTM D3492, Specification for Rubber Contraceptives (Male Condoms), and ASTM D6324, Test Methods for Male Condoms Made from Polyurethane.

Task Group D11.40.01 is also considering the development of standards for condoms made from polyisoprene and guayule latex. In addition, condom manufacturers from the task group participate on the U.S. Technical Advisory Group to the International Organization for Standardization Technical Committee 157 on Barrier Contraceptives.

For technical Information, contact Stephen Kolakowsky, Church & Dwight Co. Inc., Princeton, N.J. (phone: 609-279-7748; stephen.kolakowsky@churchdwight.com) Committee D11 meets June 15-18 at the June committee week in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

ASTM International welcomes and encourages participation in the development of its standards. ASTM’s open consensus process, using advanced Internet-based standards development tools, ensures worldwide access for all interested individuals. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, please contact Joe Koury, ASTM International (phone: 610-832-9804; jkoury@astm.org).

Release #8209