The entomological collections community should be aware that there has been a significant change in the production of polyethylene Ethafoam made by Dow Chemical Co. This is the foam that many/most entomological collections use in unit trays for pinned collections. The story is a bit complicated; however, due to the flammability of a chemical releasing agent (isobutane/pentane) used in the production of Ethafoam, Dow patented a new Rapid Release Process technology to allow for off-gasing of this flammable chemical and so that it could be safely shipped. Unfortunately, for entomologists, this new process means that small holes (size of the diameter of a #5 pin) are laser drilled into the foam in rows spaced about 3/8 inch apart in both directions. This means that most pins, if they are pinned into one of these holes will swivel and/or fall out (if tilted). Random pinning will probably only hit a hole exactly once every 25-30 times; however, this is still potentially problematic. For most uses of Ethafoam (i.e. cushioning objects) these holes are not problematic, but for insect collections they are.This new process and production of "holy" Ethafoam only began in about January/February of this year. Apparently there are polyethlene foam manufacturers out there who do not yet drill holes in the foam (BioQuip has apparently found one). However, be warned that many of the polyethylene distributors are selling "holy" foam in sheets or pre-cut. If the other foam manufacturers begin to produce "holy" foam due to its flammability, entomological collections may be in trouble.