Warning: Your Vibrator Could Be Made with Harmful Chemicals

How to keep your solo sex safe You're probably only worried about what you can catch during sex when you're with another human being—not a battery-operated partner. But your vibrator could contain potentially harmful ingredients, says ob-gyn Alyssa Dweck, M.D., coauthor of V is for Vagina.Of top concern are phthalates, chemical compounds that are used to make plastics bendy. They've been linked to birth defects, asthma, neurodevelopmental problems in newborns, fertility issues, and obesity. It’s also possible that phthalates disrupt hormones, says Dweck.The National Toxicology Program has said that one called Di phthalate is “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” Meanwhile, Congress has banned six types of phthalates for use in children's toys, pacifiers, and other child-care articles.RELATED: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Trying Mutual MasturbationSo if they are unsafe for a baby’s mouth, why are they allowed in your hoo-ha? Currently, regulation of sex toys is voluntary, so companies can either have their toys certified as phthalate-free or put whatever they want in them, says Stuart Nugent, a spokesperson for Lelo.RELATED: 20 Sex Toys That MIGHT Just Change Your LIFE“My best advice is to shop with reputable companies that offer reassurance that their products are body-safe and phthalate-free,” says Claire Cavanah, co-founder of Babeland and co-author of Moregasm: Babeland’s Guide to Mind-Blowing Sex. “If a company makes that claim, it demonstrates that they talk to their vendors and vet everything before they decide to stock it.”Meanwhile, when you’re at the store, there are a few signs that a toy isn’t safe. For instance, most toys that contain phthalates are made from jelly rubber and come with a distinct odor. “If it smells like a new vinyl or plastic shower curtain, let that be one of your clues,” she says. They might even have a slightly sticky surface, even if they haven’t been used or removed from their packaging, says Nugent.Meanwhile, since phthalate-containing toys are often not certified, they might have "for novelty use only" written on their packaging. “Run a mile if you see a phrase like that," says Nugent. "It’s likely unsafe."RELATED: Some Guy Used a Vibrator to Rob a BankOn the flip side, many brands that have gone the extra mile will lists certifications and accreditations on their packaging. “Look out for them," says Nugent. "It means an external regulatory body has evaluated the materials and deemed it safe for market. That’s the only way you can be really sure."

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