A FLIP FLOPPY IN BED; Impotence alert.

Byline: By Paula Murray

FLIP-FLOPS might make you look cool in the sun but they make your love life anything but hot, a survey claims.

The chemicals used in the world's most popular sandals have been blamed for causing impotence.

Some of the most expensive designer models were the worst offenders, according to German scientists.

And women who think they can carry on wearing flip-flops without problems will have to think again.

While they won't suffer the dramatic side-effect of impotence, the toxic chemicals used will still damage their liver, kidneys and reproductive organs.

German consumer magazine Oekotest examined 25 flip-flop models for their survey.

They contained a broad range of toxic chemicals, including phthalates, suspected of acting like hormones and causing damage to major organs.

According to the German Association for Environmental Protection (BUND), phthalates can cause permanent impotence in men. The tests also revealed high amounts of lead, zinc and other toxins.

Even small amounts of these toxins much lower than in the sandals -have been shown to affect the immune and hormonal systems of animals.

Of the 25 sandals examined, a total of 14 received a fail grade in the survey.

Among these were the most expensive pair, Miss Sixty Kitten Shoes, which cost pounds 30.

Of the others,three were deemed inadequate, one pair adequate and four satisfactory.

Only three models were rated excellent, including the cheapest pair striped flip-flops produced by Swedish clothing chain H&M. They cost only pounds 3.30.

The two others were red flip-flops by Goertz, costing pounds 6.66, and Roxy Life Lei Lei shoes by Quicksilver at pounds 16.

The magazine also found high concentrations of chemical toxins in 14 out of 18 inflatable swim toys tested.

Oekotest recommend consumers purchase the safer, cheaper models and use each pair for only one season.

CAPTION(S):

FLIPPING HECK: The; summer shoes can cause health problems