CHATSWORTH, Calif. - Adam&Eve and Good Vibrations, two of the most recognizable names in the adult novelty industry, have each announced plans to cease sales of adult novelties containing phthalates. The controversial chemical compound has been in use since the 1920s in such items as beauty products, vinyl flooring, and some sex toys. Although long-term effects in humans are unknown and untested, in rodent-based lab studies, phthalates have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and developing testes of lab rats.
Adam&Eve, the nation's largest adult mail-order business, made its announcement following a study by Greenpeace. "Within six months, Adam&Eve will no longer offer any products containing phthalates," says Phil Harvey, president of the Hillsborough, N.C.-based giant. "Our main focus is-and has always been-the customers, and in light of this new information, phasing out phthalates is the only answer."
In a separate move that came on the heels of the Adam&Eve decision, Bay Area trendsetter Good Vibrations announced it would eliminate all novelty products containing phthalates by Oct. 1, 2007. The company instead will offer safe alternatives and work with vendors to find comparable replacements.
Good Vibrations' decision developed from a desire to be safe rather than sorry. "We have always recommended our customers use [condoms] on any toy made of porous materials," says Jonathan Plotzker, Good Vibes' senior director of merchandizing and operations. "Although there is no real scientific proof, we would be loath to discover in 10 years from now that phthalates are in fact dangerous and that we did not do more."
Metis Black, president of Tantus Silicone and one of the industry's more aggressive opponents of phthalate use, is encouraged by both companies' decisions, and is particularly excited by the Adam&Eve announcement.
"It's revolutionary that such a respected company as Adam&Eve is putting its foot down to ensure that a customer's health comes first," states Black. She even posted the auspicious news on her company's MySpace page, which she often uses as a forum for discussion with, and education of, buyers and consumers alike.
Other adult novelty manufacturers also are weighing in on the controversial topic. Topco Sales, which produces Adam&Eve's Signature Toy line, issued an official statement indicating that "Topco Sales plans on honoring Phil Harvey's initiative and we've already held meetings to discuss phasing-out phthalates...Topco Sales is proud to assist Adam&Eve in their efforts and we applaud them for their concern for the consumer's wishes."
California Exotic Novelties also has responded to the issue by publishing a list of all its phthalate-free products, which can be requested by emailing [email protected]. The company also stresses that although it's been steering toward production of products using silicone and other phthalate-free materials, it's always manufactured safe toys.
Doc Johnson also stands behind the safety of its products. "We have always been concerned about consumer safety," says Chief Executive Officer Ron Braverman. "We have never used what are considered toxic phthalates." Nevertheless, Braverman is quick to make it clear he thinks the issue of phthalates has been blown out of
proportion.
Regardless of individual company beliefs on the matter, one thing is clear: The adult novelty industry is keeping customer safety at the forefront. And, in an industry with no governmental regulation on product ingredients that type of prudence will be well worth the effort when consumers remain loyal.
