Environmental campaigns have reached sex toys producers when the question about the quality was discussed. The biggest controversy lies in the materials of which many toys are made. In order to make vibrators, dildos, love dolls softer and more lifelike they use “jelly” type materials which represent PVC plastics to include compounds called phthalates (FAY-lates). Environmentalists are alarmed as using products containing phthalates is very dangerous for human’s health (as studies on animals showed).
Sex toys retailers banned usage of toys that include phthalates. So what about the consumer’s needs?
Consumers should know that phthalates are universally used in perfumes, hair sprays, paints, plastic raincoats, carpet backing, medical devices and many other items. They confer a specific plastic smell to the new products. We breathe them and we can absorb them through our skin and our mucous membranes. Phthalates are metabolized quickly by the body and excreted. So far it is not clear if phthalates are toxic and are causing health damages.
Despite that sex toys retailers have recommended the use condoms over many phthalate-containing adult toys. This is a matter of hygiene too, as many of the toys are difficult to clean.
Another reality is that phthalate-containing materials are used not only because they can be soft and pliable, but also because they are cheap. Toys made of it are cheaper! Silicone toys tend to be expensive in comparison (they are difficult to manufacture).
The final word belongs to consumers!