The "Greening" of Sex Toys: Making Safer Products for Sexual Pleasure

When I was in grade school, back in the 60's, the first "naughty" limerick I ever learned went something like this: (for those easily offended by "naughty" limericks, stop reading at this point...)

"In days of old,
When knights were bold,
And rubbers weren't invented?
They tied a sock
Around their c**k,
And babies were prevented."

Now, you have to admit, that by naughty limerick standards, that IS pretty funny, even though the technique leaves a lot to be desired and was probably not all that effective. I doubt that the women enjoyed it very much, either. And, as the saying goes, "We've come a long way, baby." That applies to consumer/user friendly sex toy sites like the Basic Touch, as well as to how sex toys are now manufactured with designs for comfort and pleasure AND safety.

There has been a lot of press in the recent past about the materials used in the manufacture of sex toys, especially regarding a material called phthalates (pronounced THAL-ates). Phthalates are chemicals used to soften hard plastics and are found in a variety of manufactured products from medical supplies to infant pacifiers to food packaging containers and, of course, in the manufacturing of many popular sex toys. Over time, phthalates can leach out of the product causing the plastic to have a "sticky" feel, change color, and often have a less-than-pleasant taste and odor.

The flap over phthalates began around 2004 after a seven-year battle by health care providers to outlaw the use of phthalates in children's toys in Europe. In September of 2004, EU ministers voted to ban six types of the chemical from all products that children might chew or suck on. Even though there were no long term studies regarding phthalates, what research had been done was then extrapolated to sex toys...if it could be harmful to children, what about the harm that might occur in the use of sex toys that contained phthalates and came in contact with internal and sensitive body parts?

Greenpeace Netherlands conducted a study of their own and in a four page report of seemingly dubious research techniques determined that "seven out of the eight toys they tested contained at least one of the EU-banned palasticizers in concentrations ranging from 24- to 49% (by weight)"

Now, the bad news is that the research methodology was so poor that it is difficult to tell whether or not there truly is any risk from the use of sex toys containing phthalates. The GOOD news is that the issue itself raised significant concerns about the materials used in the manufacture of sex toys and many of the primary toy manufacturers began doing their own research and finding new and effective chemicals to soften their plastics in an effort to stay ahead of the health curve and offer only what was proven to be safe for their end consumer.

Michael S. Levine, Ph.D., a certified industrial hygienist, expressed concern rather than fear about the research. In an article by Jenn Ramsey he is quoted as saying, "Review of the published research on animals shows a sufficient between exposure and the reported effects that the potential for human effects should be a concern", and believes that consumers and manufacturers alike are better off to be safe rather than ultimately sorry.

The issue of phthalates has reached the point where retailers, who have perhaps a bigger voice in the issue than researchers and manufacturers, have been drawn into the fray and are siding with Levine?s perspective that it is better to be environmentally sensitive and consumer friendly, thereby phasing out or eliminating the use of phthalates in their products. "We as retailers can make a difference", says Debra Peterson, Director of marketing for Fairvilla Megastores. "We are the ones on the front lines. We educate the consumers then allow them to make their own decisions." Ramsey's article also quotes Ellen Barnard of "A Woman's Touch Sexuality Resource Center". The company began testing its own toys in 2002, "because we were concerned about what we were selling. The fact that many companies are now choosing to manufacture healthier alternatives should be praised and supported. The best way to get rid of a behavior you don't like is to ignore it and support the behaviors you do like."

This sentiment is echoed by the owners of The Basic Touch. "We are currently investigating the content and chemical makeup of every toy we sell and eliminating those that contain phthalates in either the device or the packaging. We have become known for environmentally and personally safe toys designed to enhance sexual pleasure and not endanger the well-being of our customer base. As advancements are made in the field of sex toys, we will accommodate those advancements and continue to offer only the best of what is available."

A worthy direction and one that will hopefully be followed by other quality vendors, as well. So...use your own discretion, read the labels of what you're buying and, as always...

Be safe, be sane, be sexy...