CDC NATIONAL AIDS HOTLINE TRAINING BULLETIN #11 - July 1, 1992
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

1. There have been recent reports of naturally occurring holes in latex that are big enough for HIV to pass through. Why does CDC still recommend condoms to prevent HIV infection?

The reports of holes in latex appear to have originated from an article in Science magazine about latex gloves, not condoms. Holes as large as 5 microns in diameter were evidently identified in latex used in gloves. However, gloves are only dipped in latex once when they are made, condoms are dipped in latex twice. Gloves are allowed to fail the water leak test at a rate of 40 per thousand, while condoms are only allowed 4 failures of the water leak test per thousand condoms before the entire batch of condoms is rejected. While holes large enough to allow HIV to pass through have been found in natural membrane condoms, latex condoms do not allow HIV to pass through the condom unless the condom has been damaged or torn. Used properly, latex condoms are effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection.

2. Who can I contact for more information on condoms and HIV infection?

The CDC National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) has trained information specialists to answer questions or provide referrals on HIV infection and AIDS.

DISTRIBUTED BY AEGIS, your online gateway to a world of people, information, and resources. 714.248.2836 * 8N1/Full Duplex * v.34.
920701
CDC00011