BACKGROUND: Rubber additives constitute an important group of contact allergens, particularly in certain occupations.
OBJECTIVE: To collect information regarding the current practice of using a \'rubber series\' in Europe, and discuss this against the background of evidence concerning the prevalence of allergy in order to derive a recommendation for a \'European rubber series\'.
METHODS: The following were performed: (i) a survey targeting all members of the COST action \'StanDerm\' consortium, (ii) analysis of rubber contact allergy data in the database of the European Surveillance System on Contact Allergies, and (iii) a literature
review.
RESULTS: Information from 13 countries was available, from one or several departments of dermatology, and occasionally occupational health. Apart from some substances tested only in single departments, a broad overlap regarding important allergens was evident, but considerable variation existed between departments.
CONCLUSIONS: An up-to-date \'European rubber series\' is recommended, with the exclusion of substances only of historical concern. A \'supplementary rubber series\' containing allergens of less proven importance, requiring further analysis, is recommended for departments specializing in occupational contact allergy. These should be continually updated as new evidence emerges.