Conclusion
In recent years, better quality management, new research and the actions of manufacturers have led to a more reliable and safer latex condom.
Manufacturers now produce condoms that are more elastic with a chemical formulation that includes more antioxidants and better-controlled vulcanizates — all steps that ensure condoms do not deteriorate as readily as in previous years. To better protect latex condoms from deterioration, manufacturers are using more impermeable, foil packaging; switching from plastic to foil or foil laminate packaging; and focusing more attention on tight package seals. These steps help preserve the integrity of the condoms, even under the most adverse storage conditions.
On the health front, manufacturers have moved away from using talc as a finishing powder, due to concerns about its possible toxicity. More research is needed on the safety of using cornstarch, the current preferred powder for finishing, or on determining a safer finishing powder. New research on allergies to latex proteins has also focused more attention on better leaching of proteins from the natural latex. Manufacturers are now able to produce condoms with less latex protein. More research is also needed to determine whether adding spermicides to the lubricant at the factory could result in more allergic reactions to latex.
