Condoms used to plug leaks in roofs in India

August 10, 2004

NEW DELHI (dpa) - About 20 to 25 percent condoms manufactured in

India are used for sexual activity and the rest are used to

waterproof roofs, roads and polish gold embroidered garments,

according to a recent study, it was reported Sunday.

The report, prepared by Professor Ramakant of King 's Medical

University of Lucknow, capital of the northern Indian state of Uttar

Pradesh, says 75 to 80 per cent of condoms produced annually are

used for commercial purposes, the Asian Age newspaper reported.

In urban areas, condoms are purchased in bulk by civil contractors

and mixed with concrete and tar to make roads. The latex in the

condoms helps make the roads smooth and resistant to cracks, the

report says. Similarly, builders spread condoms on the layer that

lies beneath the cement plaster on roofs and as heat penetrates they

expand to form a waterproof layer that prevents seepage.

Condoms are also used in large quantities by manufacturers of gold

embroidered saris, the 11-yard garments worn by Indian women.

Workers use the lubricated condoms to polish the gold embroidery.

The report, which was presented an international medical conference

in Bangkok recently, says a bulk of these condoms were meant for

free distribution by nongovernmental organisations as a part of

India's attempts to control population and the spread of HIV/AIDS.

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