heyepiphora:

Your genitals deserve better: the case against toxic sex toys

There’s a glimmer of recognition that crosses someone’s face when I ask, “have you ever encountered a sex toy that smelled like a new shower curtain?” The widening of the eyes, the slight nod. This is how I introduce the concept of toxic sex toys, and it is almost always met with understanding. That smell, I explain, is off-gassing from chemicals called phthalates, which are used to soften plastics. “Phthalates have been banned in childrens’ toys,” I tell them, “but the sex toy industry is completely unregulated.”

It’s been nearly 10 years since I started in this industry, and yet

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sadly

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this teaching moment remains as effective as ever. It’s usually the point at which the person shares their personal experience with a toxic sex toy: perhaps it melted into a goo, smelled so rancid it gave them a headache, or, worst of all, caused a painful burning sensation in one of their orifices. Horror stories abound. All I have to do is give someone permission — and validation.

Read tons more about why toxic sex toys suck, plus tips for finding a body-safe toy, on my blog.