Plasticizers

= Phthalates (Plasticizers) in Sexual Aids [Adult Novelties] =

= Abstract = Phthalates or plasticizers are a widely used compound, dialkyl (a molecule that has two alkyl groups ) or alkyl aryl esters of 1-2 benezendiacarboxylic acid. They are found in a lot of everyday products but they are also found in products that are used internally, such as sexual aids, or adult toys. Some of these aids include certain condoms, sex toys, and lubricants. Phthalates will most likely be found more in less expensive and poorly made toys rather than toys of high quality. Plasticizers (phthalates) are used to make the products softer and more pliable. They are both good and bad. Phthalates are good for making these toys softer and pliable, or more realistic feeling, but they have some negatives to them as well. These negatives include health risks such as various disruptions to multiple systems and also pollutions to air and water. Phthalates are hazardous to the environment because they can cause air and water pollution if they are disintegrated and broken down into smaller particles. As stated in the article, Slow economy may stimulate sex industry by Stephen Johnson, it is discussed that since the economy is becoming worse, they are making cheaper toys. These toys most likely have phthalates in them. We believe that plasticizers are a risky but necessary chemical. Without plasticizers producing merchandise would become much more difficult. Many items would end up costing more though some would drop in price drastically. All in all we prefer the existence of plasticizers but suggest many health issues about them be addressed. There should be an expiration date on products containing these chemicals or something else to that degree. This would reduce the amount of acids ingested and keep people healthier.

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= Background = As stated in the abstract, phthalates or plasticizers are a widely used compound, dialkyl or alkyl aryl esters of 1-2 benezendiacarboxylic acid. They are found in a lot of everyday products such as water bottles, fish bates, children toys, soap bottles, and much more. But they are also found in products that are used internally, such as sexual aids, or adult toys. Some of these aids include certain condoms, sex toys, and lubricants. Phthalates will most likely be found more in less expensive and poorly made toys rather than toys of high quality. Phthalates are included in plastic products because they are used to make the plastic more pliable and soft. These are used to make the products more reasonable to use and they are more comfortable to use in everyday life.

= Chemistry =  The chemistry behind phthalates is not that complicated. They are made up of Oxygen and an organic compound.

= Human Health Implications = Phthalates can cause various disruptions to multiple body systems and also pollutions to air and water, causing harm to the body. They can be harmful to the respiratory system because when they break down, they become molecules in the air and people breathe them in. Plasticizers also tend to harm the blood and nerves (endocrine system). They can reduce sperm count in men and cause structural abnormalities within the reproductive system.

= Environmental/Political = Vegan condoms which are eco-friendly cost at a high price of $5.99 for a three pack. Polyurethane condoms cost about $7.95 for a three pack. If phthalates were banned from the united states, we wouldn't have condoms, windshields, children's toys, some rain boots, artificial fish bate, cell phone parts, Tupperware. Some countries that export this product are Russia, India, America, China and South Korea. If they were banned, this would affect us as an average American because we would have more dangerous driving, riskier intercourse, less fun, wet feet, fish that are difficult to catch because of the lack of worms, phones that are more likely to break and food that doesn't stay fresh for long. There are so many products that rely on plasticizers that trying to ban them would result in crappier products and people wouldn't be satisfied, therefore won't buy them causing to the company to lose money. = =

= Summary =