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Phthalates are used in cosmetics, perfume, hair products, body lotion, carpeting, flooring tiles and medical devices. Simply put, there is a family of phthalates. They are a chemical used to soften PVC.
 The European Union in 2004 banned three types of phthalates from use in children’s toys (DEHP, DBP and BBP) and the use of three others (DINP, DBP and DNOP) in toys and items that could be sucked on by children under the age of three. Dummies, teething rings and rattles were products affected by this ban. Rubber Duckies are another of children's toys that contains phthalates. The City of San Francisco has banned toys being sold that contain phthalates. From February 2009 or thereabouts, the city will publish a list of specific products that are no longer saleable within city limits.
WHY? Because tests showed that little boys testes were affected from sucking pacifiers where the teat contained phthalates.
 On January 25th 2007,the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics announced that more than 500 cosmetic and body care product companies promised to eliminate toxic ingredients from their products worldwide. This affects lipsticks, perfumes, skin moisturisers, nail polish, shampoos, haircolour, toothpaste and makeup. The chemicals are ingested straight through the skin and research shows that there are enormous health ramifications that are known to impact those who use products containing phthalates, acrylamide,ethylene oxide, formaldehyde and other such chemicals.
 It is inconceivable that the same phthalates banned in childrens toys are still used in personal pleasure products that women use. It has been suggested that 70 percent of the world’s sex toys are made in China where there is no regulation of the amount of phthalates that are used in the production of sex toys. In Australia and the USA there is no governing body or regulation into the use of plasticisers (phthalates) or the amount used in the softening process, let alone having any materials used listed on the packaging. It can beassumed there is no accountability in China either for the quality of materials used in adult products neither is there documentation of what materials are added as ‘fillers’ to complete quantities ordered.
Have YOU ever been asked by a medical professional as to whether you use intimate products? Not one person that has been asked that question has ever said YES (so far). So for all we know is this phthalate issue may be responsible for some cancers, as it is known that these substances and chemicals can be absorbed through the vaginal walls into the blood stream, and through the skin, also that they off-gas and break down over time. Wonder where "the bits" end up?
It seems reasonable to say that it would be better if nothing were made with phthalates. If you are able to afford sex toys that are phthalate-free, I would certainly recommend them over pleasure products that contain phthalates.
Check out the whitepaper at http://www.sassyvibes.com.au/ which outlines how to avoid unecessary exposure to phthalates from your pleasure products and which materials are safe to use.
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