Toxic Sex Toys
Examples
of Toxins in Sexual Products
Below are a few
examples of toxins that can be found in adult novelties. Manufacturers
classify sex toys as novelties rather than as medical devices to avoid
the huge financial requirements, studies and verification that a product
is able to address a medical issue (which sexual pleasure is not).
Therefore, because sex toys are classified as a novelty they are not
regulated for health concerns by the FDA and may contain toxins.
Parbens
-
These are
found in personal lubricants and other sexual products such
as moisturizers, shaving gels, sex toy cleaners, personal lubricants,
topical stimulants and more.
Potential
Health Risks:
- Alters
estrogen levels in women, increasing chances of such diseases
as breast cancer.
- Can induce
allergic reactions such as contact dermatitis and rosacea.
- May decrease
sperm count in males.
- May contribute
to the development of skin cancer.
- Interferes
with healthy fetal development in pregnant women.
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Phthalates
-
Most commonly
found in sexual products such as vibrators, dildos as well as
some fragranced products.
Myth: You can determine if phthalates are present if
there is a 'new car' smell; however, phthalates do not have
a scent and thus, cannot be detected by smell.
Potential Health Risks: Phthalates are endocrine disrupters
that have been linked to - reduced sperm count, breast cancer,
liver damage, ADHD, asthma and allergies, insulin resistance,
metabolic interference (contributing to obesity), premature
breast development in girls, abnormal genital development in
males (small penis, undescended testicles), autism and low birth
weight in babies.
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Triclosan
-
Found in
sex toy cleaners and genital hygiene products. Triclosan is
commonly found in many antibacterial and antifungal products.
Potential Health Risks: Like phthalates, Triclosan is
an endocrine disrupter and has been linked to - decreasing bacterial
resistance, allergies, abnormal thyroid functioning and disrupts
normal growth. When combined with chlorine in tap water to form
chloroform, it has been linked to cancer.
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2-Butoxyethanol
-
This is
found in dildos and vibrators that use latex paints. It is also
found in some sex toy cleaners that are in the form of liquid
soaps.
Potential
Health Risks: Irritation of mucous membranes of the throat,
nose and eyes. When there is heavy exposure by breathing it,
getting it on your skin or eating it there is the potential
that it can lead to pulmonary edema, metabolic acidosis, hypotension,
hemolysis, and coma.
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Lead
Paint -
Found in
some dildos and vibrators, especially those made of glass.
Potential
Health Risks: Causes damage to the nervous system, stunted
growth and delayed development. It can also cause kidney damage.
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