It is probable that commentators may have placed too much emphasis on Internet activity. The groups are very small and much of the communication is highly repetitive. It is also very evident that some individuals greatly like adding to the exchanges without adding any fresh insights and thus inflate the overall size of the information. For instance, there is a never-ending discussion on the differences between Spandex (which has become a generic for polyurethane fibres, but which may also be used for natural rubber based thread) and Lycra which is a policed trade name for Du Pont's polyurethane fibres. There is a considerable amount of fairly hysterical communication which is understandable when it is remembered that the bulk of communicators are female and the affects of the allergic reactions cause (temporary) blemishes to the skin and are very uncomfortable.

The real danger of the Internet is that a small unhappy bunch of individuals may be able to get some preposterous ideas into a broader circulation than might otherwise be the case. For instance, as scrap tyres may contain natural rubber, and that as this "may" contain residual protein, then the use of scrap tyres in road surface dressings may endanger the health of these individuals, who also tend to be allergic to the fumes being emitted when hot bitumen is being laid. It should be noted that such suggestions are on a par with the questionable (in scientific terms) area of ultra-dilute solutions and "memory in water" which were firmly refuted.

Similarly, some claim to react to balloons when these are perceived in large open spaces as they are unaware that such balloons tend to attract themselves to each other through electrostatic forces and in such a charged atmosphere are unlikely to be emitting allergens. Some would wish to see a total ban on latex goods in the USA and even to restrict the imports of all goods from natural rubber producing countries. It should be remembered that there is a substantial grouping within the USA who would wish to greatly restrict external trade as the country is so vastly rich in its own resources.