A word on Phthalates

(Pronounced “thal-ates”)

Phthalates have been produced since the 1920′s. Phthalates are chemicals used to soften plastics. They are in many items including erasers, vinyl shower curtains, paint, “jelly” or “rubber jelly” dildos,  plastic lining of cans of food, children’s toys, coating on medicine, nail polish, flooring, perfume, etc. Most often if the item is recyclable and # 3 or 7, it contains phthalates.

Studies suggest that these chemicals mess with our hormones, big time. They are known as “endocrine disruptors” because they can actually mimic our hormones and have also been shown to cause low sperm count as well as reproductive and metabolic interference.
Phthalates are not chemically bonded to the items that they are contained in. So if something contains phthalates, as it ages, breaks down and degrades it gives off MORE phthalates.

If you already have toys that you suspect may have phthalates, don’t panic and throw them out, but most companies suggest using condoms with these toys to reduce your contact with these chemicals. Many companies are phasing out the use of phthalates, and have started to market their items as “phthalate free”.

However, your safest best is to go for non-porous, non-toxic toys made of silicone, glass, stainless steel, or acrylic/hard plastic. Silicone is non-toxic, non-porous, flexible, and hypoallergenic. Silicone toys are more expensive, but they also last longer, and you don’t have to worry about potential health risks when using them. Be warned, however, manufacturers may say a sex toy is “made of silicone” if it contains as little as 10% silicone. Other toys have silicone sleeves, caps or components, but the whole toy is not made of 100% silicone. It can prove difficult to find out what material your toy is made of (unless you buy it from a body friendly company that lists ingredients!) There is a test to see if your toy is 100% medical grade silicone. Of course you need to use extreme caution and could ruin your toy by doing this test. Pure medical grade silicone will not melt at under 600 degrees. If you use a match and put the flame up to a toy, the worst thing that would happen to a silicone, body safe toy would be a soot mark. However, anything less than 100% silicone will melt and deform.