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Recently there’s been controversy surrounding sex toys made from certain materials. The materials in question are phthalates.
About.com wrote that phthalates are a family of chemicals used to soften hard plastics to make them more flexible. Phthalates are used in everything from perfumes and lipsticks to medical instruments and sex toys.
Phthalates aren’t bound to the plastics they soften. They can seep out and be absorbed through skin and mucous membranes. MSNBC reported that a 2004 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study looked at urine samples from 2,540 people and found phthalate metabolites in more than 75 percent of participants.
While there’s no cumulative buildup — phthalates are quickly metabolized and excreted — there’s differing opinions as to how this exposure affects humans.
That goes for phthalates-containing sex toy exposure, as well. There isn’t enough data because few studies exist. According to About.com, a recent Danish Environmental Protection Agency report said that using sex toys containing phthalates for one hour a day or less poses no health risks, unless you are pregnant or nursing.
Still other studies express concern ranging from mild to serious about phthalates as a whole. About.com wrote that there’s a growing body of research suggesting that phthalates have a toxic effect, particularly on male reproductive systems.
Most organizations agree phthalates pose some risk to health and reproduction, both directly and indirectly through environmental impact.
The American Chemistry Council, an industry lobbying group, believes that phthalates are safe. Its website stated that phthalates are among the most thoroughly studied family of compounds in the world, and have been reviewed by multiple regulatory bodies in the United States.
However the United States Congress recently banned certain phthalates in children's toys.
So a valid question is if children’s toys are protected, why not adult toys? The Bottom Line reported that one reason is that the sex toy industry is loosely regulated. Sex toys are legally labeled as novelty toys, meaning they aren’t intended for actual use.
The concern over phthalates has prompted the sex toy industry to move towards sexual health and away from novelty. They want to raise awareness around phthalates and the lack of industry oversight.
Good Vibrations, a sex-related products retailer, stated online, “we were the first company to shift away from products containing (phthalates). Our efforts were instrumental in urging the sex toy industry to develop phthalate-free products.”
As You Like It, a sexual health shop, also posted that online consumers won’t find phthalates in their store. It mentions studies linking the chemicals to kidney and liver damage and disruption to the endocrine and reproductive systems.
MSNBC reported others like LoveHoney, an online retailer, believes fears are overblown and say few customers ask about phthalates.
While scientists search for a definitive answer whether phthalates are risky or not, it’s up to consumers to decide for themselves when it comes to sex toys containing phthalates.
Sources:
"Phthalates." Phthalates. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://phthalates.americanchemistry.com
Alexander, Brian. "When sex toys turn green — for health - Health - Sexual health - Sexploration - msnbc.com." msnbc.com - Breaking news, science and tech news, world news, US news, local news- msnbc.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19333870/ns/health-sexual_health/t/when-sex-toys-turn-green-health
Dally, Lynnea. "Phthalates: The Toxic Chemicals That Might Be In Your Sex Toy by Lynnea Dally | The Bottom Line." The Bottom Line UCSB. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012.
http://thebottomline.as.ucsb.edu/2008/03/phthalates-the-toxic-chemicals-that-might-be-in-your-sex-toy-by-lynnea-dally
Madsen, Pamela. "Dangerous Sex Toys: What You Need to Know Now About Phthalates | Psychology Today." Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/shameless-woman/201108/dangerous-sex-toys-what-you-need-know-now-about-phthalates
"Phthalates Action Plan Summary | Existing Chemicals | OPPT | US EPA." US Environmental Protection Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://www.epa.gov/oppt/existingchemicals/pubs/actionplans/phthalates.html
"Phthalates: Are They Safe? - CBS News." Breaking News Headlines: Business, Entertainment & World News - CBS News. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://www.cbsnews.com/2100-18560_162-6506892.html
Szabo, Liz. "Judge Upholds Congress' Ban on Toys With Certain Chemicals - ABC News." ABCNews.com - Breaking News, Latest News & Top Video News - ABC News. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. http://abcnews.go.com/Health/WellnessNews/story?id=6821667&page=1
Silverberg, Cory. "Phthalates in Sex Toys – Health and Environmental Concerns." Sexuality - About Sexual Pleasure and Sexual Health. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://sexuality.about.com/od/sextoys/a/phthalates_sex.htm
Weiss, Stefanie Iris. "Stefanie Iris Weiss: The Nine Commandments of Eco-Sex: Getting It on the Green Way in 2011." Breaking News and Opinion on The Huffington Post. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Apr. 2012. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/stefanie-iris-weiss/the-nine-commandments-of-_b_804828.html#s219359&title=Commandment_9_Games
As You Like It - The Pleasure Shop. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. http://asyoulikeitpdx.com/about/mission-statement
Good Vibrations. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2012. http://www.goodvibes.com/content.jhtml?id=phthalate-free
Reviewed April 12, 2012
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith
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