Adam&Eve, one of the largest and oldest names in the adult industry, officially announced plans to cease sales of any adult novelties containing phthalates. The controversial chemical compound has been used since the 1920s in beauty products, vinyl flooring, and some sex toys. The exact long-term effects in humans are unknown; however, in rodent-based lab studies, phthalates have been linked to damage of the liver, kidneys, lungs, and developing testes of the lab rats.
"Within six months, Adam&Eve will no longer offer any products containing phthalates," says Phil Harvey, president of Adam&Eve. "Our main focus is and has always been the customers, and in light of this new information, phasing out phthalates is the only answer."
This came days after a handwritten memo from Harvey was given to Adam&Eve Marketing Promotions Manager Libby Lynn.
Metis Black, president of Tantus Silicone and one of the industry's more aggressive opponents of phthalate use, is particularly excited by Harvey's announcement.
"It's revolutionary that such a respected company like 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 and education of buyers and consumers alike.
Other adult novelty manufacturers are weighing in on the controversial topic as well. Topco Sales, which produces Adam&Eve’s Signature Toy line as well as a number of other Adam & Eve items, today issued an official statement indicating: "Topco Sales plans on honoring Phil Harvey's initiative and we've already held meetings to discuss phasing-out phthalates. We are very proud of the fact that one of our best selling materials, the original CyberSkin, is phthalate-free, and are looking at various new materials that we can produce from our FDA approved lists. 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. Consumers are invited to request a copy of the list by e-mailing [email protected]. The company also insists that although it's been steering more toward production of products using silicone and other phthalate-free materials, it's always manufactured safe toys.
"Even the products that do contain phthalates as a softener have such small amounts that we feel they are in no way a danger to the end user," states Al Bloom, director of marketing for Cal Exotics.
Doc Johnson also stands behind the safety of its entire product line. "We have always been concerned about consumer safety," says Ron Braverman, chief executive officer of Doc Johnson. "We have never used what are considered toxic phthalates. We have always used non-toxic materials in all products we manufacture."
Braverman also pointed out that the Economic European Commission has changed its stance on some phthalates, reversing the ban on the use of non-toxic phthalates in adult toy manufacturing in Europe. (ANB is unable to confirm Braverman's statement concerning the EEC at press time; however, more information from his source can be found by clicking here).
"'Phthalates' has become the newest dirty word in the industry," continues Braverman. "Therefore, we are advertising 'phthalate free' on our packaging of products that are entirely phthalate free; but again, when we do use them, they are the non-toxic phthalates. There has to be a better understanding about them."
In an industry with no governmental rule on product ingredients, it is heartening to see large companies such as Adam&Eve, Doc Johnson, Cal Exotics, and Topco beginning to police themselves to the benefit of the consumer. Informed customers armed with facts, rather than hype, can base their buying decisions on common sense. The customers who are satisfied knowing the products are safe are the customers who will continue buying the products, keeping the industry alive.
With education in mind, ANB magazine published an in-depth study of the controversial topic and the declarations made by such organizations as Greenpeace UK amid a stir of media hype. To see the feature article in its entirety, view the January 2007 issue of ANB magazine digitally by clicking here.
