Have you ever opened a box or some sort of mega intense blister packaging, the contents of which was something “plastic”? And have you ever smelled that smell – that plastic, synthetic, new-but-kinda-meh smell?

That smell was phthalates, wafting into the air.

Phthalates make hard plastics (primarily PVC) more flexible. They also act as an adhesive, dye, and solvent in other products. The chemical bond between phthalates and plastics, however, is virtually nonexistent; consequently, as softened plastics age and break down, they shed phthalates.

People are exposed to phthalates all the time. This is because they’re used in a large variety of products – from the plasticy coating around pills to waxes, medical devices, detergents, lubricants, packaging, kids’ toys, personal care items, and any number of “industrial” products.

You can see how these things would also be in sex toys. (right?)

Interestingly, due to health concerns, phthalates are being phased out of many products in the United States, Canada, and Europe – namely, because there’re carcinogenic.

You can see how you wouldn’t want these things in your sex toys. (right?)

[Recently], I read this: “Sex, Lies, and Phthalates: Why the James Deen dildo isn’t as safe as it should be” by Lux Alptraum. Among many other things, Lux had this to say…

When it comes to sex toys, the general consensus is that phthalates are best avoided — which is why many manufacturers voluntarily refrain from using phthalates in their products, and why they proudly advertise that this is the case. Which would seem like an example of the market forces working everything out for the best, if it weren’t for one small, troubling detail: Many of the marital aids that bear the “phthalate-free” label aren’t actually free of the chemicals.

Take, for instance, the Doc Johnson James Deen dildo. Despites its manufacturer’s claims that the product is phthalate-free, a materials analysis by Dildology shows that claim to be false… (here)

LIES!!

(pictured: ummm… that box says “non-phthalate” in the lower left)

I proceeded to share Lux’s article on Twitter… and was promptly delighted to have a little back and forth with her and the lovely Lucy Vonne. These are the things I learned:

A sex toy can be up to 10% phthalate-laden and still claim to be “phthalate free” – what the fkkk?

Doc Johnson’s James Deen dildo is 61% (sixty one!!) phthalates – what. the. toxic. fkkk!!?

Evolved novelty products (where Lucy works) are legitimately phthalate-free.

There is no one place that lists the exact phthalate content of individual adult novelty products, though the extremely new Dildology is working towards that goal.

Damn.

I highly recommend reading Lux’s full piece – she breaks down a lot of the politics regarding why phthalates may be being used in adult novelty products and why it’s gonna take more than just James Deen (e.g.) objecting to get the system to change. Worth it right –> here

In the meantime, keep an eye on your sex toys people! And consider Evolved (as well as Fleshlight) – I trust Lucy to know what’s up with the toys coming out of her place of business.

(pictured: James Deen and Stoya have sex with their sex toys)

Reprinted from PVVOnline.com – Critical Commentary on Adult Production [2010 – 2014]

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