German Green Party Warns of Dangerous Sex Toys

Sometimes environmental toxins can come from places—and in places—you least expect. The Green Party of Germany is hoping you don't forget about dildos. "Many dildos and other sex toys such as vibrators contain a high amount of phthalates, other carcinogenic plasticizers and toxic substances," states a new report by 10 Green Party members in Germany's parliament. The substances, which enter the body through mucous membranes, can lead to infertility, hormone imbalances, diabetes, and obesity, warn the reps. They're demanding new laws to make sex toys safer for the 20% of the German population who use them, notes Der Spiegel.

But the call for safer sex toys has already received a limp response from officials of the center-right government, who refer to the products in questions only as "erotic items." Few if any scientific studies back the Greens' concerns, says the government's response. And if there's a problem, it would be better to address it Euro-zone wide, officials add. "Ducking the issue is not an option when health risks are involved," countered a Green spokesman. Denmark has already issued a health warning about sex toys. It urges covering sex toys with condoms for protection and to avoid products made of PVC. (More Germany stories.)