Phthalates in Sex Toys

How can you tell if your sex toy has phthalates?

As a general rule, the more that a toy smells like rubber, the more phthalates it contains. One researcher I spoke with referred to this as the “plastic shower curtain” test. If you take a toy out of the package and it has a strong "chemically smell," like a new shower curtain, it probably has phthalates in it. Sex toys made of the following materials do not contain phthalates:

• Silicone rubber
• Hard plastic/Acrylic sex toys
• Glass sex toys
• Metal sex toys
• Elastomers sex toys

Learn more about phthalates in sex toys:

1. Greenpeace UK Statement on Phthalates in Sex Toys
2. Brief on the Potential Human Reproductive and Developmental Effects of Di(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate (DEHP) National Toxicology Program, Center for the Evaluation of Risks to Human Reproduction, US Dept. of Health and Human Services, May, 2006.
3. Aggregate Exposure to Phthalates in Humans, Health Care Without Harm, July 2002.
4. U.S. FDA Office of Cosmetics and Colors Info. Sheet on Phthalates , Updated March 31, 2005.
5. 'Gender-bending' Chemicals Found to 'Feminise' Boys, New Scientist, May 2005.
6. Phthalate Info Sheet from Introduction to Hormone Disrupting Chemicals, Dr A. Michael Warhurst.
7. Why Health Care is Moving Away from the Hazardous Plastic Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)

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