"When sex toys turn green — for health, that is.."

[Blaze Diem]

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19333870/
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Concern about effects of common chemical leads consumers to seek options...


In an effort to make the materials softer and more lifelike, PVC plastics suppliers incorporate one or more members of a family of compounds called phthalates (FAY-lates). To hear some environmentalists tell it, using a vibrator that includes phthalates is akin to bathing in DDT. But to hear the chemical industry tell it, phthalates are about as benign as mountain spring water. So what is a sex toy consumer to do?
Alarmed, some sex toy retailers, most prominently San Francisco-based Good Vibrations, are banning toys that include phthalates.

Phthalates are ubiquitous. They are used in perfumes, hair sprays, plastic raincoats, carpet backing, paints, medical devices and many other items. They are responsible for that “new car smell,” which goes to show you how much plastic is used in cars.

Now they are showing up in people...

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Health risk worthy of discussion, and considering the size of this industry..wasn't sure where to post this article.
So are phthalates (FAY-lates) a danger or not?

[durrrty libby]

1. Are you sure it's not FEL late?

[Blaze Diem]

2. Seriously now, anyone who has ever been in this position, er.. the

..seriously, anyone who has ever toyed with the idea of purchasing and using any of these accessories, should be aware of the potential harm, and demand a better alternative..er..um.. well to the alternative.

Hey and they are not only found in sex toys..every time I smell that "new car smell" from now on...I will think of a soft jelly-like phalic thingy.

----Seriously..I do wonder just how dangerous this chemical is.

[shain from kane]

3. I'm attracted to women with that “new car smell,”

[Rock_Garden]

4. Noooo! Noooo! It's not fair!

That was the last possible form of safe sex. Et tu, vibrator?:cry:

[Blaze Diem]

5. oh well..back to the produce isle..NOT..does that cuc list the

country of origin?
What about pesticides...fertilizers..

Whats a girl to do?
Nothing is sacred anymore.

Any chemists in the house??
Would like to have some opinions..

[mrcheerful]

6. Wouldn't a condom over said sex toy protect people from the chemicals?

I mean lets be honest, even if people wash sex toys after using, they still place them in some unsanatary hidding spot, then dig them out and use them without washing them a second time.

[Chemical Bill]

7. Phthalates are not good...

but they won't kill you quickly. They are emitted by the plastics, so put your sex toys somewhere to air out for six months or so. When the new car smell goes away, have a ball. Or buy from Good Vibrations, they must have a web site. Oh, it's pronounced tha-lates, with the first a pronounced like in absolutely.

Bill

[EnviroRocker]

8. PVC is the problem

I think it's great Good Vibes is phasing out phthalates, but I think that PVC is really the issue here. PVC production is nasty for the environment and is not a good thing to put in your body with or without phthalate softeners. Also - in response to using condoms on PVC toys - the problem with that is you are still supporting the dirty PVC business. At any rate, I think this is an area where conscious consumerism would do some good. Check out Earth Erotics -- a PVC FREE, "green" adult boutique.

[3waygeek]

9. Well, there's always

the homemade option (link NSFW).

[Harry Monroe]

10. Thanks for ruining the "new car smell" for me

I just bought a 2007 Toyota Matrix. Now I'll think of a dildo everytime I drive. Thanks a lot!!