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There seems to be little or no consideration about exposure via sex toy use

Posted on August 11, 2022

There seems to be little or no consideration about exposure via sex toy use

Some newer dildos/dicks incorporate silicone as one ingredient in order to decrease some of the negatives of non-silicone. A mixed-silicone/soft plastic combination may decrease the overall level of phthalates and increase durability; however, it will still be porous and will not have the same ability to be sterilized as 100% silicone.

Depending on the type of material, non-silicone or mixed silicone may be less expensive or comparably priced to 100% silicone models.

100% SILICONE Pros: Durable, easy to clean, non-porous, can be sterilized between users, does not contain phthalates, chemically stable: does not degrade appreciably over time. Cons: Color, detailing, and “skin” feel are sometimes not as realistic, may be more expensive than certain rubber and jelly models

NON-SILICONE and MIXED-SILICONE Pros: Color, detailing, and “skin” feel are sometimes more realistic than silicone models, certain rubber and jelly models are comparatively cheaper Cons: Porous, cannot be sterilized between users, may contain phthalates, materials, color, and detailing degrade over time, can leave a “greasy” residue, materials used in manufacture are often unknown

However, there is considerable disagreement on this topic, and additional study of human data will be required in order to better understand the relationship between phthalates and human reproductive health

A note about phthalates Phthalates are chemicals that have been used in industry for many decades. They are used for a variety of purposes, including making PVC plastic flexible, as well as for softening other plastic materials. They are also used as fixatives for perfume, additives for making nail polish flexible, and for countless other purposes including cosmetics and personal care products, medical products, automotive parts, clothing, and more. In the sex toy industry, phthalates are used in the manufacture of many soft, flexible, non-silicone dildos, vibrators, and other soft plastic products.

There is a great amount of controversy over whether exposure to the phthalates found in various products is safe for humans (or for animals and the ecosystem in general). In recent years, a large focus of concern has been around the potential effect of phthalates on the endocrine system and in reproductive development. Some scientists and environmental organizations have hypothesized that phthalates may act as “endocrine disrupters” in humans and animals, and may cause unwanted estrogenic or anti-androgenic effects. Animal studies have linked phthalates to negative effects on male reproductive development in laboratory rats, but definitive conclusions about such effects on human reproductive development have yet to be determined. A recent study in humans (“ong Male Infants with Prenatal Phthalate Exposure,” by Swann, et al., Environmental Health Perspectives, 2005 August; 113(8): 1056–1061) demonstrated a significant relationship between a mother’s exposure to environmental levels of phthalates during pregnancy and effects on male reproductive system development in baby boys.

Its should be noted that most studies on health effects of phthalates focus on exposure to the chemicals through ingestion (via the mouth), inhalation (breathing), transdermal transfer (through the skin), or transfer during medical procedures (such as a blood transfusion through plastic tubing). Additionally, because sex toys are considered “novelty” items, their manufacture goes largely unregulated and unmonitored. According to the Canadian Broadcasting Company’s web site, German chemist Hans Ulrich Krieg analyzed phthalate concentrations in sex toys, and found them to be very high compared to other consumer products. Because the materials used in making sex toys are usually not listed, the consumer has no way of knowing exactly what chemicals they may contain and at what levels.

A few reputable manufacturers strive to create sex toys out of quality materials; if you are concerned about what your toys are made of, ask questions– many of the shops included on this site will be very helpful and are knowledgeable about all the products they sell

So what does all this mean for the buyers of sex toys? Because the long-term health effects of phthalate exposure are unknown, most reputable sex toy stores recommend the use of condoms as a protective barrier when using non-silicone dildos and toys for vaginal, anal, and oral sex. In general, this is already recommended practice because virtually all soft, non-silicone items are also porous and therefore cannot be sterilized between uses. Some sex shops have discontinued the sale of products that contain phthalates until their health effects are better interracial dating central understood. Others continue to sell them because many of the cyberskin, ultraskin, and softskin options offer greater variety and enhanced realism for their customers. Most recommend condom use with these products as a precaution.

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