Survey of chemical substances in consumer products, 77 – Survey and health assesment of chemicals substances in sex toys

Survey and health assesment of chemicals substances in sex toys

1 Introduction

The Danes are one of the world's most educated, inquisitive and liberal people, also in the sexual area. (Bork E, 2003). Written and pictorial pornography was thus legalised in Denmark already in 1967 and 1969 (Larsen RE, 2000).

At the same time the Internet has made it incredibly easy anonymously to gain information about sex and marital relations (e.g. www.sexhealth.org), and consumers who are sexually experimenting or just broad-minded may choose freely among the many temptations of the Internet shops.

Sex toys are not only made of plastics and rubber but also glass and steel are being used. Sex toys are available in many geometries and designs; there is certainly no lack of inventiveness.

Most commonly known are the numerous versions of dildos with many different sizes, colours and designs. Many are battery-powered, e.g. massage devices (vibrator), and the most sophisticated are remote-controlled just as televisions and radios.

Intimate clothing (fetish) such as long gloves, boots, hoods and various lingerie and costumes in skin contact are offered to the customers in many variants.

Sex toys are mainly made of vinyl (soft PVC) or rubber latex. The most commonly known and cheapest latex is made of natural rubber and it is assumed that the majority of the rubber-based toys are made of natural rubber latex. Also silicone-based toys are available. A new skin-like material, Cyberskin, which is said to originate from the space industry, is gaining foothold in the market. An infrared analysis of this material has established that it is a thermo-elastic material (SEBS).

As to the origin of the sex toys it is characteristic that the major part is produced in the Far East, especially China, however, we also see Danish manufacturers of both dildos as well as intimate latex clothing.

Without exception recipes are unknown.

Use of sex toys is no new phenomenon. Dildos made of stone, jade or leather were used also in ancient time. The oldest are said to be 2000-4000 years old and originate from i.e. China.

The vibrator was invented in the 1880’ies and was used by doctors for treatment of women who at that time’s diagnosis suffered from hysteria. With the knowledge we have today the effect has merely been stimulation to orgasm.