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== What are Phthalates? ==
== What are Phthalates? ==


Phthalates are mainly used as plasticizers, i.e., substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. They are used primarily to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
Phthalates are plasticizers added to plastics to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity, primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Note that while phthalates are usually plasticizers, not all plasticizers are phthalates. The two terms are specific and unique and cannot be used interchangeably.


In 2010, the market was still dominated by high-phthalate plasticizers; however, due to legal provisions and growing environmental awareness and perceptions, producers are increasingly forced to use non-phthalate plasticizers.
By 2010, high-phthalate plasticizers still dominated the market. However, due to legal provisions and growing environmental awareness, producers are increasingly using non-phthalate plasticizers.


'''Original:''' (“Sex toy safety guide,” 2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sex toy safety guide|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/FemdomCommunity/wiki/index/sextoysafety/|website=reddit.com|publisher=u/TheSoftessMoss|access-date=23 September 2023|quote=|author=}}</ref>
'''Original:''' ("Sex toy safety guide," 2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=Sex toy safety guide|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/FemdomCommunity/wiki/index/sextoysafety/|website=reddit.com|publisher=u/TheSoftessMoss|access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>


== A List of Common Phthalates and Their Abbreviations ==
== Common Phthalates and Their Abbreviations ==


{| class="wikitable" style="width:72em"
{| class="wikitable"
|+ <small>Ordered by molecular weight, commercially important compounds shown in bold</small>
|+ <small>Ordered by molecular weight, commercially important compounds shown in bold</small>
|-
|-
! Name
! Name
! Abbreviation
! Abbreviation
! style=max-width:4em | Alcohol carbon number
! Alcohol carbon number
! style=max-width:5em |[[Molecular weight]] (g/mol)
! Molecular weight (g/mol)
! style=min-width:5em |[[CAS registry number|CAS No.]]
! CAS No.
! Properties of concern for human health ([[ECHA]] classification 2022)<ref>{{cite web |title=Search for Chemicals - ECHA |url=https://echa.europa.eu/search-for-chemicals? |website=echa.europa.eu |publisher=European Chemicals Agency |access-date=9 June 2022 |quote=Enter CAS No's to validate manually}}</ref>
! Properties of concern for human health (ECHA classification 2022)<ref>{{cite web |title=Search for Chemicals - ECHA |url=https://echa.europa.eu/search-for-chemicals? |website=echa.europa.eu |publisher=European Chemicals Agency |access-date=9 June 2022}}</ref>
|-
|-
| [[Dimethyl phthalate]] || DMP || 1 || 194.18 || 131-11-3 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dimethyl_phthalate Dimethyl phthalate (DMP)] || DMP || 1 || 194.18 || 131-11-3 ||
|-
|-
| [[Diethyl phthalate]] || DEP || 2 || 222.24 || 84-66-2 || Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diethyl_phthalate Diethyl phthalate (DEP)] || DEP || 2 || 222.24 || 84-66-2 || Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting
|-
|-
| Diallyl phthalate || DAP || 3 || 246.26 || 131-17-9 || Skin sensitising
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diallyl_phthalate Diallyl phthalate (DAP)] || DAP || 3 || 246.26 || 131-17-9 || Skin sensitising
|-
|-
| Di-n-propyl phthalate || DPP || 3 || 250.29 || 131-16-8 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-n-propyl_phthalate Di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP)] || DPP || 3 || 250.29 || 131-16-8 ||
|-
|-
| '''[[Di-n-butyl phthalate]]''' || '''DBP''' || 4 || 278.34 || 84-74-2 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Under assessment as [[Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances|PBT]]
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-n-butyl_phthalate Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP)]''' || '''DBP''' || 4 || 278.34 || 84-74-2 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Under assessment as [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persistent,_bioaccumulative_and_toxic_substances PBT]
|-
|-
| [[Diisobutyl phthalate]] || DIBP || 4 || 278.34 || 84-69-5 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisobutyl_phthalate Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)] || DIBP || 4 || 278.34 || 84-69-5 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
|-
|-
| [[Bis(2-methoxyethyl) phthalate|Di-2-methoxyethyl phthalate]] || DMEP || 3 || 282.29 || 117-82-8 || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-2-methoxyethyl_phthalate Di-2-methoxyethyl phthalate (DMEP)] || DMEP || 3 || 282.29 || 117-82-8 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| Butyl cyclohexyl phthalate || BCP || 4 – 6 || 304.38 || 84-64-0 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butyl_cyclohexyl_phthalate Butyl cyclohexyl phthalate (BCP)] || BCP || 4 – 6 || 304.38 || 84-64-0 ||
|-
|-
| Di-n-pentyl phthalate || DNPP || 5 || 306.4 || 131-18-0 || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-n-pentyl_phthalate Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DNPP)] || DNPP || 5 || 306.4 || 131-18-0 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| Dicyclohexyl phthalate || DCP || 6 || 330.42 || 84-61-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Skin sensitising
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dicyclohexyl_phthalate Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCP)] || DCP || 6 || 330.42 || 84-61-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Skin sensitising
|-
|-
| '''[[Butyl benzyl phthalate]]''' || '''BBP''' || 4 – 7 || 312.36 || 85-68-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butyl_benzyl_phthalate Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP)]''' || '''BBP''' || 4 – 7 || 312.36 || 85-68-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
|-
|-
| Di-n-hexyl phthalate || DNHP || 6 || 334.45 || 84-75-3 || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-n-hexyl_phthalate Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP)] || DNHP || 6 || 334.45 || 84-75-3 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| Diisohexyl phthalate || DIHxP || 6 || 334.45 || 146-50-9, || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisohexyl_phthalate Diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP)] || DIHxP || 6 || 334.45 || 146-50-9 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| [[Diisoheptyl phthalate]] || DIHpP || 7 || 362.5 || 41451-28-9 || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisoheptyl_phthalate Diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHpP)] || DIHpP || 7 || 362.5 || 41451-28-9 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| Butyl decyl phthalate || BDP || 4 – 10 || 362.5 || 89-19-0 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butyl_decyl_phthalate Butyl decyl phthalate (BDP)] || BDP || 4 – 10 || 362.5 || 89-19-0 ||
|-
|-
| [[Dibutoxy ethyl phthalate]] || DBEP || 6 || 366.45 || 117-83-9 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dibutoxyethyl_phthalate Dibutoxy ethyl phthalate (DBEP)] || DBEP || 6 || 366.45 || 117-83-9 ||
|-
|-
| '''[[Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate]]''' || '''DEHP, DOP''' || 8 || 390.56 || 117-81-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-2-ethylhexyl_phthalate Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, DOP)]''' || '''DEHP, DOP''' || 8 || 390.56 || 117-81-7 || Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
|-
|-
| Di(n-octyl) phthalate || DNOP || 8 || 390.56 || 117-84-0 || Not classified but some uses restricted
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-n-octyl_phthalate Di(n-octyl) phthalate (DNOP)] || DNOP || 8 || 390.56 || 117-84-0 || Not classified but some uses restricted
|-
|-
| Diisooctyl phthalate || DIOP || 8 || 390.56 || 27554-26-3 || Toxic to Reproduction
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisooctyl_phthalate Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP)] || DIOP || 8 || 390.56 || 27554-26-3 || Toxic to Reproduction
|-
|-
| n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate || ODP || 8 – 10 || 418.61 || 119-07-3||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octyl_decyl_phthalate n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate (ODP)] || ODP || 8 – 10 || 418.61 || 119-07-3 ||
|-
|-
| '''[[Diisononyl phthalate]]''' || '''DINP''' || 9 || 418.61 || 28553-12-0 || Not classified but some uses restricted
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisononyl_phthalate Diisononyl phthalate (DINP)]''' || '''DINP''' || 9 || 418.61 || 28553-12-0 || Not classified but some uses restricted
|-
|-
| '''[[DPHP|Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate]]''' || '''DPHP''' || 10 || 446.66 || 53306-54-0 || Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting  
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Di-2-propylheptyl_phthalate Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP)]''' || '''DPHP''' || 10 || 446.66 || 53306-54-0 || Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting
|-
|-
| '''[[Diisodecyl phthalate]]''' || '''DIDP''' || 10 || 446.66 || 26761-40-0 ||
| '''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisodecyl_phthalate Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP)]''' || '''DIDP''' || 10 || 446.66 || 26761-40-0 ||
|-
|-
| Diundecyl phthalate || DUP || 11 || 474.72 || 3648-20-2 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diundecyl_phthalate Diundecyl phthalate (DUP)] || DUP || 11 || 474.72 || 3648-20-2 ||
|-
|-
| Diisoundecyl phthalate || DIUP || 11 || 474.72 || 85507-79-5 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisoundecyl_phthalate Diisoundecyl phthalate (DIUP)] || DIUP || 11 || 474.72 || 85507-79-5 ||
|-
|-
| Ditridecyl phthalate || DTDP || 13 || 530.82 || 119-06-2 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ditridecyl_phthalate Ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP)] || DTDP || 13 || 530.82 || 119-06-2 ||
|-
|-
| Diisotridecyl phthalate || DITP || 13 || 530.82 || 68515-47-9 ||
| [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diisotridecyl_phthalate Diisotridecyl phthalate (DITP)] || DITP || 13 || 530.82 || 68515-47-9 ||
|}
|}


'''Source:''' (“Common Phthalates,” 2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=Common Phthalates|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalates#Production|website=en.wikipedia.org|publisher=Wikipedia Foundation|access-date=23 September 2023|quote=Phthalates are produced industrially by the acid catalysed reaction of phthalic anhydride with excess alcohol.|author=}}</ref>
'''Source:''' ("Common Phthalates," 2023)<ref>{{cite web|title=Common Phthalates|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalates#Production|website=en.wikipedia.org|publisher=Wikipedia Foundation|access-date=23 September 2023}}</ref>


== Health Concerns ==
== Health Concerns ==


An endocrine disruptor is a substance that interferes with the normal hormonal mechanisms that allow a biological organism to interact with its environment. In the scientific community, phthalates are broadly classified as endocrine disruptors; while many scientific studies indicate the likelihood that phthalates behave as endocrine disruptors in human beings.
An endocrine disruptor is a substance that interferes with the normal hormonal mechanisms that allow a biological organism to interact with its environment. Phthalates are broadly classified as endocrine disruptors; many scientific studies indicate they likely behave as such in humans.


== Phthalates and the Law ==
== Phthalates and the Law ==
Line 84: Line 84:
=== United States of America ===
=== United States of America ===


Phthalates in childrens' toys are regulated, in part, by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), which became public law 110-314. Section 108 of that law specified that as of February 10, 2009, &quot;it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any children's toy or child care article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of&quot; DEHP, DBP, or BBP and &quot;it shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture for sale, offer for sale, distribute in commerce, or import into the United States any children's toy that can be placed in a child's mouth or child care article that contains concentrations of more than 0.1 percent of&quot; DINP, DIDP, DnOP
Phthalates in children's toys are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), public law 110-314. Section 108 specifies that as of February 10, 2009, it is unlawful to manufacture, offer for sale, distribute, or import into the United States any children's toy or child care article containing more than 0.1% of DEHP, DBP, or BBP. It is also unlawful to manufacture, offer for sale, distribute, or import any children's toy that can be placed in a child's mouth or child care article containing more than 0.1% of DINP, DIDP, or DnOP.


=== European Union ===
=== European Union ===


The use of some phthalates has been restricted in the European Union for use in children's toys since 1999. DEHP, BBP, and DBP are restricted for all toys; DINP, DIDP, and DNOP are restricted only in toys that can be taken into the mouth. The restriction states that the amount of these phthalates may not be greater than 0.1% mass percent of the plasticized part of the toy.
The use of some phthalates has been restricted in the EU for use in children's toys since 1999. DEHP, BBP, and DBP are restricted for all toys; DINP, DIDP, and DNOP are restricted only in toys that can be taken into the mouth. The restriction states that the amount of these phthalates may not be greater than 0.1% mass percent of the plasticized part of the toy.


The low molecular weight products BBP, DEHP, DIBP, and DBP were added to the Candidate list of Substances for Authorisation under REACH in 2008-9, and added to the Authorisation list in 2012. This means that from February 2015 they are not allowed to be produced in the EU unless authorisation has been granted for a specific use, however they may still be imported in consumer products.
Low molecular weight products BBP, DEHP, DIBP, and DBP were added to the Candidate list of Substances for Authorisation under REACH in 2008-9, and added to the Authorisation list in 2012. From February 2015, they are not allowed to be produced in the EU unless authorisation is granted for a specific use; however, they may still be imported in consumer products.


== Phthalates and Sex Toys ==
== Phthalates and Sex Toys ==


While there is some regulation of phthalates in children's toys - the '''sex toy industry remains almost totally unregulated and there is no legal requirement to inform the consumer of just how much phthalate is in the toy'''. Cheap PVC, jelly and &quot;Novelty Use Only&quot; toys will most likely all contain phthalates to some extent - including the ones labelled &quot;non toxic&quot; [http://dangerouslilly.com/2013/03/toxic-sex-toy-truth-education-myths/ (yes, really)].
While there is some regulation of phthalates in children's toys, the '''sex toy industry remains almost totally unregulated, and there is no legal requirement to inform the consumer of phthalate content in toys'''. Cheap PVC, jelly, and "Novelty Use Only" toys will most likely contain phthalates to some extent, including those labeled "non-toxic" [http://dangerouslilly.com/2013/03/toxic-sex-toy-truth-education-myths/ (yes, really)].


The Danish authorities conducted a study of 16 randomly selected sex toys in 2006. They found that:
A 2006 Danish study of 16 randomly selected sex toys found that<ref>{{cite web|title=Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in sex toys|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220109223014/https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.9543&rep=rep1&type=pdf|website=web.archive.org|publisher=Danish Ministry of the Environment|access-date=9 January 2022}}</ref>:


&quot;Jelly, which is a widely used material designation, has turned out to be plasticized vinyl (PVC). The plasticizer content may be very high up to 70%, which means that more than 2/3 of the materials consist of plasticizers. The plasticizers used are of the phthalate types (DEHP, DNOP; DINP).&quot;
"Jelly, a widely used material designation, turned out to be plasticized vinyl (PVC). The plasticizer content may be very high, up to 70%, meaning more than 2/3 of the materials consist of plasticizers. The plasticizers used are of the phthalate types (DEHP, DNOP; DINP)."


That is 7000 times the legal limit for kids toys in the US.
This is 7000 times the legal limit for kids' toys in the US.


Conversely, they also found a vibrator which contained 200ppm Cadmium, a poisonous heavy metal - the legal limit in the EU is 75ppm. Sex toys were also consistently found to contain concentrations of Lead, and three had Arsenic in them. Most of these toys were cheap imports from China.
Additionally, they found a vibrator containing 200ppm Cadmium, a poisonous heavy metal (EU legal limit: 75ppm). Sex toys were also found to contain Lead, and three had Arsenic. Most of these toys were cheap imports from China.


[http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.9543&rep=rep1&type=pdf You can find a pdf of the full study here. Read it sitting down].
[https://web.archive.org/web/20220109223014/https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.512.9543&rep=rep1&type=pdf Survey and health assesment of chemicals substances in sex toys]


== But I can just cover it with a condom and it'll be fine, right? ==
== Can I just cover it with a condom and it'll be fine? ==
Eh, it's a bit complicated. Phthalates are very mobile in oil, and when these cheap jelly toys start to break down - you can see an oily sheen on them. Oils will degrade regular latex condoms, so you might be better off using nitrile or polyurethane. Really though, the safest thing to do is avoid buying these toxic toys.
 
It's complicated. Phthalates are very mobile in oil, and when cheap jelly toys break down, an oily sheen appears. Oils degrade regular latex condoms, so nitrile or polyurethane condoms are better. The safest option is to avoid buying toxic toys.


== What toy materials should I avoid? ==
== What toy materials should I avoid? ==


* Anything that is for &quot;novelty use only&quot;, or &quot;not intended for internal use&quot;
* Anything labeled for "novelty use only" or "not intended for internal use"
* Jelly, jellee, jele - they're all the same, squishy, jelly type toys. $10 on Wish. You know the type.
* Jelly, jellee, jele - all squishy, jelly type toys (e.g., $10 on Wish)
* Rubber - even if it's &quot;skin safe&quot;, it may not be because, as we've learned, there's no legal requirement to be honest about your phthalate content.
* Rubber - even "skin safe" rubber may contain phthalates
* Vinyl and PVC
* Vinyl and PVC
* Proprietary materials like Cyberskin / UR3 / Futorotic / Fanta Flesh / Neoskin / FauxFlesh/ etc – if it’s not pure silicone, and it looks super realistic (and it’s not Fleshlight), it's probably got some phthalates in it.
* Proprietary materials like Cyberskin, UR3, Futorotic, Fanta Flesh, Neoskin, FauxFlesh, etc. - these likely contain phthalates
* TPE, TPR, Elastomer, TPR-silicone, SEBS - these are phthalate free in theory, but they're also porous and can harbour bacteria and fungi.
* TPE, TPR, Elastomer, TPR-silicone, SEBS - phthalate-free in theory but porous and can harbor bacteria and fungi


== What toy materials are safer? ==
== What toy materials are safer? ==


* Silicone - 100% medical or food grade silicone is very body safe. It's non porous so no bacteria or fungi can make a home in it. It contains no phthalates (or arsenic!). You may also see &quot;Platinum Grade Silicone&quot; printed on some toy packaging - this doesn't mean that it's any better than medical or food grade silicone. Platinum is used as a curing agent in the manufacturing process. Avoid anything that says &quot;Silicone blend&quot;.
* Silicone - 100% medical or food grade silicone is very body safe, non-porous, and phthalate-free. Avoid "silicone blend."
* Glass - Providing that class insertables are not painted, they are very body safe. Annealed toys are best. Pyrex is a meaningless term for glass sex toys.
* Glass - Non-painted glass insertables are body safe. Annealed toys are best. "Pyrex" is a meaningless term for glass sex toys.
* Medical grade steel - recommended by surgeons worldwide.
* Medical grade steel - recommended by surgeons worldwide
* Ceramic - as long as the ceramic is glazed and kiln fired, it will be non porous and thus body safe.
* Ceramic - glazed and kiln-fired ceramic is non-porous and body safe
* Aluminium - powder coated toys are also non porous, so they're safe.
* Aluminium - powder-coated toys are non-porous and safe
* ABS plastics - technically non toxic but may be a little porous.
* ABS plastics - technically non-toxic but may be slightly porous


== BUT THEY'RE SO EXPENSIVE???!!! ==
== But they are so expensive! ==


I know, right? [http://dangerouslilly.com/2015/06/35-body-safe-sex-toys-under-35/ Here's a regularly updated list of non toxic, body safe sex toys that are $50 or less.]. It's also good to know that food grade silicone is as safe as medical grade silicone for sex toy use - and medical grade silicone toys tend to carry an unnecessarily heavier price tag.
I know, right? [http://dangerouslilly.com/2015/06/35-body-safe-sex-toys-under-35/ Here's a regularly updated list of non-toxic, body-safe sex toys that are $50 or less]. Food grade silicone is as safe as medical grade silicone for sex toy use, and medical grade silicone toys tend to have a higher price tag.


== References and Further Reading ==
== References and Further Reading ==


[http://dangerouslilly.com/ Dangerous Lilly - dildo burner and sex toy nerd, please check out her incredibly fun and informative blog]
* [http://dangerouslilly.com/ Dangerous Lilly - sex toy educator and reviewer]
 
* [http://karasutrareviews.com/ Kara Sutra - sex educator and toy reviewer]
[http://karasutrareviews.com/ Kara Sutra - sex educator and toy reviewer]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate Wikipedia on Phthalates]
 
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phthalate Wikipedia on Phthalates]


== Citations ==
== Citations ==
<references />
<references />

Revision as of 20:15, 28 June 2024

What are Phthalates?

Phthalates are plasticizers added to plastics to increase flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity, primarily used to soften polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Note that while phthalates are usually plasticizers, not all plasticizers are phthalates. The two terms are specific and unique and cannot be used interchangeably.

By 2010, high-phthalate plasticizers still dominated the market. However, due to legal provisions and growing environmental awareness, producers are increasingly using non-phthalate plasticizers.

Original: ("Sex toy safety guide," 2023)[1]

Common Phthalates and Their Abbreviations

Ordered by molecular weight, commercially important compounds shown in bold
Name Abbreviation Alcohol carbon number Molecular weight (g/mol) CAS No. Properties of concern for human health (ECHA classification 2022)[2]
Dimethyl phthalate (DMP) DMP 1 194.18 131-11-3
Diethyl phthalate (DEP) DEP 2 222.24 84-66-2 Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting
Diallyl phthalate (DAP) DAP 3 246.26 131-17-9 Skin sensitising
Di-n-propyl phthalate (DPP) DPP 3 250.29 131-16-8
Di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP) DBP 4 278.34 84-74-2 Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Under assessment as PBT
Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP) DIBP 4 278.34 84-69-5 Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
Di-2-methoxyethyl phthalate (DMEP) DMEP 3 282.29 117-82-8 Toxic to Reproduction
Butyl cyclohexyl phthalate (BCP) BCP 4 – 6 304.38 84-64-0
Di-n-pentyl phthalate (DNPP) DNPP 5 306.4 131-18-0 Toxic to Reproduction
Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCP) DCP 6 330.42 84-61-7 Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting, Skin sensitising
Butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) BBP 4 – 7 312.36 85-68-7 Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DNHP) DNHP 6 334.45 84-75-3 Toxic to Reproduction
Diisohexyl phthalate (DIHxP) DIHxP 6 334.45 146-50-9 Toxic to Reproduction
Diisoheptyl phthalate (DIHpP) DIHpP 7 362.5 41451-28-9 Toxic to Reproduction
Butyl decyl phthalate (BDP) BDP 4 – 10 362.5 89-19-0
Dibutoxy ethyl phthalate (DBEP) DBEP 6 366.45 117-83-9
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP, DOP) DEHP, DOP 8 390.56 117-81-7 Toxic to Reproduction, Endocrine Disrupting
Di(n-octyl) phthalate (DNOP) DNOP 8 390.56 117-84-0 Not classified but some uses restricted
Diisooctyl phthalate (DIOP) DIOP 8 390.56 27554-26-3 Toxic to Reproduction
n-Octyl n-decyl phthalate (ODP) ODP 8 – 10 418.61 119-07-3
Diisononyl phthalate (DINP) DINP 9 418.61 28553-12-0 Not classified but some uses restricted
Di(2-propylheptyl) phthalate (DPHP) DPHP 10 446.66 53306-54-0 Under assessment as Endocrine Disrupting
Diisodecyl phthalate (DIDP) DIDP 10 446.66 26761-40-0
Diundecyl phthalate (DUP) DUP 11 474.72 3648-20-2
Diisoundecyl phthalate (DIUP) DIUP 11 474.72 85507-79-5
Ditridecyl phthalate (DTDP) DTDP 13 530.82 119-06-2
Diisotridecyl phthalate (DITP) DITP 13 530.82 68515-47-9

Source: ("Common Phthalates," 2023)[3]

Health Concerns

An endocrine disruptor is a substance that interferes with the normal hormonal mechanisms that allow a biological organism to interact with its environment. Phthalates are broadly classified as endocrine disruptors; many scientific studies indicate they likely behave as such in humans.

Phthalates and the Law

United States of America

Phthalates in children's toys are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA), public law 110-314. Section 108 specifies that as of February 10, 2009, it is unlawful to manufacture, offer for sale, distribute, or import into the United States any children's toy or child care article containing more than 0.1% of DEHP, DBP, or BBP. It is also unlawful to manufacture, offer for sale, distribute, or import any children's toy that can be placed in a child's mouth or child care article containing more than 0.1% of DINP, DIDP, or DnOP.

European Union

The use of some phthalates has been restricted in the EU for use in children's toys since 1999. DEHP, BBP, and DBP are restricted for all toys; DINP, DIDP, and DNOP are restricted only in toys that can be taken into the mouth. The restriction states that the amount of these phthalates may not be greater than 0.1% mass percent of the plasticized part of the toy.

Low molecular weight products BBP, DEHP, DIBP, and DBP were added to the Candidate list of Substances for Authorisation under REACH in 2008-9, and added to the Authorisation list in 2012. From February 2015, they are not allowed to be produced in the EU unless authorisation is granted for a specific use; however, they may still be imported in consumer products.

Phthalates and Sex Toys

While there is some regulation of phthalates in children's toys, the sex toy industry remains almost totally unregulated, and there is no legal requirement to inform the consumer of phthalate content in toys. Cheap PVC, jelly, and "Novelty Use Only" toys will most likely contain phthalates to some extent, including those labeled "non-toxic" (yes, really).

A 2006 Danish study of 16 randomly selected sex toys found that[4]:

"Jelly, a widely used material designation, turned out to be plasticized vinyl (PVC). The plasticizer content may be very high, up to 70%, meaning more than 2/3 of the materials consist of plasticizers. The plasticizers used are of the phthalate types (DEHP, DNOP; DINP)."

This is 7000 times the legal limit for kids' toys in the US.

Additionally, they found a vibrator containing 200ppm Cadmium, a poisonous heavy metal (EU legal limit: 75ppm). Sex toys were also found to contain Lead, and three had Arsenic. Most of these toys were cheap imports from China.

Survey and health assesment of chemicals substances in sex toys

Can I just cover it with a condom and it'll be fine?

It's complicated. Phthalates are very mobile in oil, and when cheap jelly toys break down, an oily sheen appears. Oils degrade regular latex condoms, so nitrile or polyurethane condoms are better. The safest option is to avoid buying toxic toys.

What toy materials should I avoid?

  • Anything labeled for "novelty use only" or "not intended for internal use"
  • Jelly, jellee, jele - all squishy, jelly type toys (e.g., $10 on Wish)
  • Rubber - even "skin safe" rubber may contain phthalates
  • Vinyl and PVC
  • Proprietary materials like Cyberskin, UR3, Futorotic, Fanta Flesh, Neoskin, FauxFlesh, etc. - these likely contain phthalates
  • TPE, TPR, Elastomer, TPR-silicone, SEBS - phthalate-free in theory but porous and can harbor bacteria and fungi

What toy materials are safer?

  • Silicone - 100% medical or food grade silicone is very body safe, non-porous, and phthalate-free. Avoid "silicone blend."
  • Glass - Non-painted glass insertables are body safe. Annealed toys are best. "Pyrex" is a meaningless term for glass sex toys.
  • Medical grade steel - recommended by surgeons worldwide
  • Ceramic - glazed and kiln-fired ceramic is non-porous and body safe
  • Aluminium - powder-coated toys are non-porous and safe
  • ABS plastics - technically non-toxic but may be slightly porous

But they are so expensive!

I know, right? Here's a regularly updated list of non-toxic, body-safe sex toys that are $50 or less. Food grade silicone is as safe as medical grade silicone for sex toy use, and medical grade silicone toys tend to have a higher price tag.

References and Further Reading

Citations

  1. ↑ "Sex toy safety guide". reddit.com. u/TheSoftessMoss. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  2. ↑ "Search for Chemicals - ECHA". echa.europa.eu. European Chemicals Agency. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
  3. ↑ "Common Phthalates". en.wikipedia.org. Wikipedia Foundation. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  4. ↑ "Survey and health assessment of chemical substances in sex toys". web.archive.org. Danish Ministry of the Environment. Retrieved 9 January 2022.
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This page was last edited on 28 June 2024, at 20:15.
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