Your Vibrator Is Doing You Damage

Check the labeling of your vibrators, It could do you damage which will have you screaming for very different reasons

On a recent trip to Melbourne, Australia, a few of my friends found a nightclub vending machine selling sex toys. Interesting right? What is more interesting is that the toys were being advertised as hthalate free? What are Phthalates and why are dildos and vibrators being sold without them I hear you ask? Nastasia Campanella tells you why.

Recent research commissioned by Greenpeace found that seven out of eight sex toys contained traces of the harmful substance, Phthalate. Phthalates are known as endocrine disrupters because they mimic the bodies hormones and cause reproductive and neurological damage. The harmful chemical enters the body when objects containing the substance are used over long periods of time. The chemical gradually breaks down and leaks from the object into our bodies.

I don need to explain how the phthalates get from your vibrator and into your body [lets hope you understand that process]. However, don think this chemical is only found in pleasurable pieces of plastic. Phthalates are used as plastic softeners and are found in so many everyday products like shampoos, deodorants, home furniture, aftershave lotions, baby bottles, change mats and chew toys.

In many countries overseas like Germany, the use of Phthalates has been prohibited (no wonder German girls are so uptight at bars and nightclubs.) When you look at the outcomes of studies done on them, you see why. Research by the National Toxicology Program [NTP], found there were developmental problems in babies born to women who had large amounts of Phthalates in their bodies. The NTP also expressed concerns that male infants who substantially exceeded intake levels of the chemicals could suffer problems in their reproductive system including hormonal abnormalities. The Department of Human Services has also declared the chemical a carcinogen which means there is the potential for it to cause Cancer.

The European Union has placed a ban on the use of certain Phthalates in toys made for children under the age of three. Regulatory bodies in the US have made similar decisions regarding the chemicals, but in countries like Australia not Phthalates are still widely used. However, this was until the National Industrial Chemicals Notifications and Assessment Scheme was rolled out in early 2009. This program saw research done to test 24 different types of Phthalates to see how harmful they were to humans. Many were found to be dangerous, but were not prohibited. Despite this, many manufacturers in the sex trade industry stopped using Phthalates altogether ?promoting their products as hthalate free? Youe got to give it to them for putting their hands up for health and safety right? Its nice to know manufacturers care about more than just their pockets and our G spots!

In any case, the moral to this story is next time you are partying at a bar or nightclub, you should look for the real thing, rather then your riend in the top draw?