There has been a lot of discussion about whether manufacturers of sex toys should stop using the chemical phthalates when creating sex toys women can use to generate orgasms. Some scientists claim that phthalates is toxic and can cause problems for women who use products made with the chemical. So, what is phthalates and should you really be worried about using adult toys made with the product?
What is Phthalates?
Phthalates, which you pronounce "thall-eights" is a chemical compound that manufacturers of plastics use to soften hard plastic into softer feeling materials. Manufacturers derive phthalates from Phthalic acid and the compound is commonly used in many every day products that you would find around your home. Sometimes people will call the chemical compound a plasticizer because it softens plastic and makes it jelly like or rubbery. This makes the compound popular with the sex toy manufacturers who need to create soft and lifelike adult toys.
Is it Really Dangerous?
While some scientists have worked to prove that the use of phthalates in any plastic product is dangerous, both to the environment and to the people who encounter the product, no scientist has yet provided definitive proof of any danger. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency recently completed an extensive investigation into the health of chemical substances used in the creation of adult toys. The Survey and Health Assessment of Chemical Substances in Sex Toys report concluded that there was no health risk associated with using these toys, made with phthalates, for one hour a day or less, unless you are pregnant or nursing a baby.
While pregnant women and those nursing babies need to be even more careful, as phthalates can produce the female hormone, estrogen, which can interfere with the pregnancy or milk production, even these women are not at risk if they use a sex toy for a few minutes a day. In 2006, the National Toxology Program reviewed the science and released a warning that phthalates could be harmful to infant males (who do not use sex toys). There is little scientific proof that a woman using adult toys can harm her baby son.
Why You Should NOT Be Worried
First of all, there are plenty of adult toys that do not use phthalates. You can easily check to see if yours does contain the chemical compound by contacting the manufacturer, who under the law must disclose this information to you. If you are really concerned about the possible effect of phthalates on your body, buy a sex toy that does not contain the chemical compound.
Secondly, the toxin is only released to the body when the plastic substance or jelly like substance begins to break down. If you want to be sure that your adult toy is okay to use, you need to simply check it before use for any evidence of 'wear and tear'. If the plastic appears to be broken, it is time to buy a new sex toy.
Thirdly, the evidence shows that there is no risk to your health if you use a toy containing phthalates for one hour a day or less.
Finally, if you are concerned about the possible toxins of using your adult toy, you can always use a latex condom over your sex toy. You won't feel the difference and you will prevent any risk, however slight it may be, of your sex toy causing you health problems.
Meanwhile, organizations continue to press manufacturers of women's sex toys to change the materials used in the manufacturer of the adult toys. Many are listening and you can purchase phthalates free sex toys now.
What is Phthalates?
Phthalates, which you pronounce "thall-eights" is a chemical compound that manufacturers of plastics use to soften hard plastic into softer feeling materials. Manufacturers derive phthalates from Phthalic acid and the compound is commonly used in many every day products that you would find around your home. Sometimes people will call the chemical compound a plasticizer because it softens plastic and makes it jelly like or rubbery. This makes the compound popular with the sex toy manufacturers who need to create soft and lifelike adult toys.
Is it Really Dangerous?
While some scientists have worked to prove that the use of phthalates in any plastic product is dangerous, both to the environment and to the people who encounter the product, no scientist has yet provided definitive proof of any danger. The Danish Environmental Protection Agency recently completed an extensive investigation into the health of chemical substances used in the creation of adult toys. The Survey and Health Assessment of Chemical Substances in Sex Toys report concluded that there was no health risk associated with using these toys, made with phthalates, for one hour a day or less, unless you are pregnant or nursing a baby.
While pregnant women and those nursing babies need to be even more careful, as phthalates can produce the female hormone, estrogen, which can interfere with the pregnancy or milk production, even these women are not at risk if they use a sex toy for a few minutes a day. In 2006, the National Toxology Program reviewed the science and released a warning that phthalates could be harmful to infant males (who do not use sex toys). There is little scientific proof that a woman using adult toys can harm her baby son.
Why You Should NOT Be Worried
First of all, there are plenty of adult toys that do not use phthalates. You can easily check to see if yours does contain the chemical compound by contacting the manufacturer, who under the law must disclose this information to you. If you are really concerned about the possible effect of phthalates on your body, buy a sex toy that does not contain the chemical compound.
Secondly, the toxin is only released to the body when the plastic substance or jelly like substance begins to break down. If you want to be sure that your adult toy is okay to use, you need to simply check it before use for any evidence of 'wear and tear'. If the plastic appears to be broken, it is time to buy a new sex toy.
Thirdly, the evidence shows that there is no risk to your health if you use a toy containing phthalates for one hour a day or less.
Finally, if you are concerned about the possible toxins of using your adult toy, you can always use a latex condom over your sex toy. You won't feel the difference and you will prevent any risk, however slight it may be, of your sex toy causing you health problems.
Meanwhile, organizations continue to press manufacturers of women's sex toys to change the materials used in the manufacturer of the adult toys. Many are listening and you can purchase phthalates free sex toys now.
