Today I want to talk to you about phthalates. You might ask if this is some sort of new fancy rabbit vibrator coming on the market. No, it’s not but it’s something I want you to be aware of when considering your next rabbit sex toy as I feel it’s important to be fully educated.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to soften rubber. They are often used in sex toy manufacturing as the trend has been towards more realistic or life-like toys. Rabbits are no exception as they are typically designed so the shaft moves side to side and back and forth. The rubber needs to be able to give in order for these motions to be effective and sensual and phthalates help do this.
The problem with phthalates is that in studies on lab rats they have been found to cause cancer and affect the genitalia and fetal development. Now these were rats that had been exposed to extremely high levels of the chemical but it did cause some very negative effects. Studies in humans have been very limited so the data is limited but the FDA does list phthalates as a “probable human carcinogen.” While studies haven’t been conclusive there is data that points to phthalates effecting infant genital development as well as an effect on sperm production. Again studies are limited and there isn’t enough data yet to cause the FDA to ban these chemicals.
There is enough concern that the FDA has mandated that all toys and products made for children be phthalate free. The thinking is kids routinely put toys in their mouths which expose them to this possibly toxic chemical. You might be wondering why this hasn’t been mandated for something like a sex toy that is inserted into a person and comes in contact with bodily fluids. The answer is that sex toys are categorized as novelty toys. Meaning they are not intended for uses other than gag gifts and fun. So the FDA doesn’t test and govern these toys. They are kind of like herbs and supplements, the FDA doesn’t recognize these as medicinal so they don’t develop standards and they don’t review them either.
If this is something that concerns you do not fret as there are alternatives out there. With the growing trend of “green” or natural products the sex toy industry is making sure they provide toys that fall in this category. For instance the Rabbit Habit Vibrator I reviewed a few weeks ago is considered a phthalate free sex toy and ever manufacturer from Cal Exotics to Doc Johnson and Vibratex are rolling out new toys free of these chemicals. You have alternatives you just need to do your research and pick what makes you feel comfortable. So hopefully I haven’t freaked you out too much but I wanted to discuss this with you as we here at Rabbit Sex Toy Blog feel it’s important to fully educate you on what you are putting in your body. Until next time here is to good vibrations!