Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 5, 1994 TAG: 9401260009
SECTION: EDITORIAL PAGE: A9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Cal Thomas
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The campaign is simplistic in origin, inaccurate in conception and highly dangerous in application because it will lull people into a false sense of security.
The CDC's Monthly Morbidity Report undermines its own safety thesis, but it has chosen to ignore the evidence. In its Aug. 6, 1993, issue, CDC claims, ``A recent laboratory study indicated that latex condoms are an effective mechanical barrier to fluid containing HIV-sized particles.''
There is an endnote that refers the reader to a study by Dr. Ronald F. Carey, et al. reported in the publication ``Sexually Transmitted Diseases.'' (Vol. 19, July/August, 1992). That study indicated the condoms used in the test represented various major brands and were bought from retail store shelves. Carey reports finding that ``leakage of HIV-sized particles through latex condoms was detectable for as many as 29 of the 89 condoms used.'' If the CDC considers a 30 percent failure rate ``effective,'' what does it consider ineffective?
Most condom tests are conducted under laboratory conditions that are unlike real-life situations. The CDC and other advocates of condoms use the words ``consistent'' and ``correct'' when speaking of condom use, but few real-life experiences are either consistent or correct.
The CDC lists five steps one must take to use a condom correctly: using a new latex condom for each act of intercourse, putting on the condom before any sexual contact, making sure no air is trapped inside, employing only water-based lubricants (not oil-based which cause the condom to dissolve) and immediate withdrawal after sex, holding the condom to prevent slippage.
Left off the list is a critical sixth step - the condom must be properly stored at a reasonable temperature. A man's wallet or glove compartment doesn't qualify, though these are places many men keep them. Not following the CDC-recommended steps increases the failure rate beyond the 30 percent minimum.
The CDC says it is a ``myth'' that HIV can pass through condoms. In fact, it is a myth that the virus cannot pass. Some of the better condoms (again when used correctly) can prevent HIV transmission, but some of the poorer brands do not. Will Consumer Reports be available at each point of condom sale? Not likely.
The editor of Rubber Chemistry and Technology, C.M. Roland, has written that ``the rubber comprising latex condoms has intrinsic voids about 5 microns (0.0002 inches) in size. Since this is roughly 10 times smaller than sperm, the latter are effectively blocked in ideal circumstances. ... Contrarily, the AIDS virus is only 0.1 microns (4 millionths of an inch) in size. Since this is a factor of 50 smaller than the voids inherent in rubber, the virus can readily pass through the condom should it find such a passage.''
The CDC's dangerous campaign clearly would not have been launched under the two previous administrations, which included the cautious and nonpolitical Dr. Bill Roper as CDC's head. Now, in an administration filled with young activists and others whose morals were formed in the ``free love'' 1960s, condom use is regarded as the best protection against what used to be regarded as immoral behavior.
David Satcher, who is scheduled to take control of the CDC this month, describes himself this way in an interview with USA Weekend: ``My leadership style is one of activism - trying new things and promoting them.''
In life-and-death matters involving sex, HIV and AIDS, this is certainly the wrong approach. Condoms are the snake oil that some politicians and social activists sell to unwitting people who think they can escape the consequences of wrong behavior. Remember, condoms can be hazardous to your health.
\ Los Angeles Times Syndicate
by CNB