As a body-friendly "sex toy shop you can trust", should EF continue carrying toys made of materials that are known or thought to be harmful?

As a body-friendly "sex toy shop you can trust", should EF continue carrying toys made of materials that are known or thought to be harmful?

 
 
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lexical lexical
I am under the impression that many, if not most, latex, rubber, and jelly toys are likely to contain phthalates. We carry many items made of these materials, as well as materials that are porous and likely to become a yucky breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

As a body-friendly "sex toy shop you can trust", should EF continue carrying toys made of materials that are known to be harmful? If we advise against buying them, shouldn't we reconsider selling them here in the first place?

Do you think enough effort is made to educate people about the products so that they will avoid buying items that may be unhealthy to use? What changes would you suggest?

I'm very sorry if this thread has been started before! I thought it probably had, but I searched for one and was unable to find an explicit discussion of the topic (just lots of "EF Should Carry" threads! lol!) I also don't think I've ever made a poll before on here...hopefully it works right!
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
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Total votes: 102 (90 voters)
Poll is open
08/24/2011
The Curious Couple The Curious Couple
I think Eden should continue to carry the toys and let the buyer make the decision. Just because I'd never buy a certain toy doesn't mean someone else isn't interested.
08/24/2011
Peggi Peggi
I feel that EF should continue to carry these types of toys, but should educate buyers a bit more. I chose this answer, because from a medical and scientific standpoint, for example in regards to phthalates, it takes quite a bit of exposure to this chemical structure to actually cause long term damage to the system. Also, proper cleaning will decrease the breakdown of the plastic vs phthalate compound and avoiding overuse of these products will also prevent degradation of the toy.

I think that with proper education (and proper use on the buyer's part) selling and using these toys should not be an issue.
08/24/2011
cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
I think Eden does a good job of educational material around the site. I think it could be promoted a tad more, but just like everything else you can't make peopledo something they don't want to. All the info can be there but if someone doesn't want to read it/doesn't care then it is up to them.

I still enjoy the occasional "unique" material here and there
08/25/2011
Dawn (Lilac Distraction) Dawn (Lilac Distraction)
Some people just don't care either way whether the material is safe. It's really up to the buyer. All of the information is included on the product pages and material info pages, as well.

The store I work in has tons of jelly dildos that people go nuts over. I wish we didn't carry them, but people like them, buy them, and we make money.
08/25/2011
Ryuson Ryuson
I feel that there should be a pop-up before you purchase it with a giant warning, but that it should be allowed.
08/25/2011
Coralbell Coralbell
I have never purchased a toy made of those materials, so it doesn't matter to me personally.

I think it's fine that they are sold here, as long as information is available about proper cleaning and condom usage. Most people include that in their reviews, and it's also available on the material information pages, so I don't see the problem.
08/25/2011
BellaDonna2884 BellaDonna2884
Even with the risks involved with unsafe materials some people do have a preference for those materials. When everything is said and done EF is in the BUSINESS of sell adult toys. It is not the responsibility of EF to dictate which toys their customers prefer or purchase. The best thing they can do is educate their customers about the risks and precautions associated with poorer quality materials.
08/25/2011
lexical lexical
Quote:
Originally posted by Ryuson
I feel that there should be a pop-up before you purchase it with a giant warning, but that it should be allowed.
Love that idea!

I almost feel that it's...I don't know...exploitative? Or perhaps just immoral? To carry toys that may be unhealthy, in the hopes that maybe someone may be uninformed or flippant and decide to buy them anyway.
08/25/2011
wetone123 wetone123
I think Eden does a fine job educating people about the risks of materials in sex toys. If some one wants to buy their favorite rabbit for example and it is made with jelly, 99% of the time they will buy it regardless of the danger. The "real feel" and other porous toys would be the same. Some people simply want these materials and Eden has bent over backwards to inform everyone of the hazards. I think Eden should keep these toys for sale and keep on educating consumers. Just the way it is now. If people do not buy them anymore, there would be no reason to sell them anymore. I do not see this happening anytime soon tho'. Too many people like these materials.
08/25/2011
Mr.Red Mr.Red
Known yes, thought no. You can dig up someone who thinks [i]anything[/i] is harmful if you look hard enough.

But I don't want to use leaded lube.
08/25/2011
Ace <3 Ace <3
I prefer toys like this for the feel they give me. Not to say that others are bad either. I have my share of a couple different types. I just make sure to clean them really well after play and make sure they are dry before putting away. As long as the toy is cared for well, it isn't a breeding ground for bacteria.
08/25/2011
Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
I don't like the big brother aspect of not carrying certain products. It's up to the consumer to decide what risks if any they want to take. Something like 35k-45k people die every year in auto accidents - are we car dealers going to stop selling cars?

Life has its risks - get used to it.
08/25/2011
Stormy Stormy
(EdenFantasys)
Eden goes above and beyond in their efforts to inform and educate---hence the review program and the material safety chart. It's up to the consumer to decide if it's something they want to purchase. Every toy can be covered with a condom and most, if not all, reviews for toys of these materials state that they should be covered for solo or shared use.
08/25/2011
BBW Talks Toys BBW Talks Toys
Actually, EF doesn't specifically encourage or discourage any purchase based on any reason. As a company, they look mostly to their bottom line. Eden is one of few companies that go above and beyond to educate their customers on the safety of their products. It's mostly contributors who say that "you shouldn't buy _______"

Another thing to consider is that since research on phthalates has come out, a lot of manufacturers have been more careful about the materials that they use to make their toys with. Even a lot of jelly toys are phthalate-free and most packaging will say that. I realize that's not always a guarantee, but I would take the integrity and longevity of the manufacturer into consideration when determining if they're honest about that.

Personally, I don't buy jelly because I don't care for the odor of the toy or the feel of jelly. I am not into sharing my toys so it's not about sterilization or safety. I wash my toys before and after; which is recommended to keep more porous toys bacteria-free.
08/25/2011
Yaoi Pervette Yaoi Pervette
Let's be realistic: toys made of jelly and similar materials are cheaper. Not everyone has the budget to buy silicone, glass, and steel. Eden is able to appeal to buyers of all budgets by carrying all types of materials. Limiting the variety of materials basically limits your customer base. There is plenty of info already available on the site about material safety. That should be enough for someone to decide whether or not to save a few bucks on a more porous toy or invest in something a little safer.
08/26/2011
JR JR
(EdenFantasys)
Speaking only for me and not as an EF staffer:

I see nothing wrong with carrying all different types of products. You can put condoms on jelly toys (if they're insertable). Some people aren't bothered at all by parabens and the like. I agree with Gunsmoke, to simply not give the people the choice to buy the products here is too "Big Brother" for my tastes. As Miss Debauchery points out, people will buy them anywhere else anyway...might as well educate people while they're checking out the products.

In the end though...it's better than people putting hot dogs, pipe cleaners, toilet brushes, tooth brushes, plunger handles, etc up somewhere and getting sick and/or injured.
08/26/2011
Shellz31 Shellz31
I think these toys should be carried! I for one would be EXTREMELY disappointed (and would shop elsewhere) if they got rid of all porous toys like Cyberskin, UR3 etc. They are phthalates free, but have been given a bad name by those who are scared of them.
08/27/2011
Kim! Kim!
They give people the opportunity to read more information to further educate themselves. If people choose to still purchase them, that is their decision. I can trust EF to inform me. I don't need EF to make my decisions for me though.
08/27/2011
wetone123 wetone123
Quote:
Originally posted by JR
Speaking only for me and not as an EF staffer:

I see nothing wrong with carrying all different types of products. You can put condoms on jelly toys (if they're insertable). Some people aren't bothered at all by parabens and the like. I agree ... More
You're so funny JR! I had a long laugh on that last sentence! I preferred smoked sausages myself before I came to Eden Absolutely full of nitrates
08/27/2011
lexical lexical
LOL! Great answers, everyone. It's always eye opening to hear the reasons behind other people's opinions. Thanks for sharing.
08/27/2011
Silverdrop Silverdrop
My first order from EF is still on its way, so maybe they already do this, but it would be nice if product safety information was printed on the invoice. Not all manufacturers are as conscientious about educating the customer as they should be.
09/16/2011
froggiemoma froggiemoma
yes , just educate on the safety issues.
09/16/2011
BBW Talks Toys BBW Talks Toys
Quote:
Originally posted by Silverdrop
My first order from EF is still on its way, so maybe they already do this, but it would be nice if product safety information was printed on the invoice. Not all manufacturers are as conscientious about educating the customer as they should be.
It's not. It's on the product page, so you should be checking that if you are interested in the safety of your materials. I would go through your order and check the materials page on each toy to educate yourself.

Personally, I think EF (who is not the manufacturer for the vast majority of toys on the site) does a fantastic job of making the information available to us.
09/16/2011
DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
People who drive red cars are more likely to be in an accident. Should an ethical car dealer discontinue sales of all red cars?
09/17/2011
BBW Talks Toys BBW Talks Toys
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
People who drive red cars are more likely to be in an accident. Should an ethical car dealer discontinue sales of all red cars?
YES! Of COURSE! How can I, the consumer, be expected to gather all the information I need based on my own research? It's not like there is any pool of information available where I can simply put in a word and a whole list of results regarding my question just magically appears! Sheesh. Those irresponsible manufacturers.

End sarcasm.

(seriously, that was sarcasm folks... don't take it personally.)
09/18/2011
Ms. Spice Ms. Spice
I feel like the odd man out, but i don't think toys with phthalates should be manufactured, let alone sold. there's nothing safe about them and they can't even be cleaned without leaving bacteria on the surfaces of the toys. I can understand using a condom, but for fifteen a box, that can get kind of pricey. but of course, for the time being, I'm just going to boycott toys that use phthalates until they (hopefully) get banned
09/18/2011
wrecklesswords wrecklesswords
I really don't think these kinds of toys should even be made in the first place, however they are. And they are on the market. Not only that, but they tend to be cheaper, and from my experience, not everyone makes enough money to be able to justify spending more than say $20 on a sex toy that many consider to be a luxury.

I think EF does a really good job letting people know the risks of such toys. The material safety gauge is my BEST FRIEND when I am looking at toys. There are still a few that I REALLY like that aren't the safest of toys, but I know ways that I can protect myself from their many potential risks.

EF should continue to carry them if the higher ups feel that there is still enough of a market for them, and I'm sure there is since they are cheaper.

I personally try to stay away from these products, but that doesn't mean that everyone else in the world will, too.
09/18/2011
Nora Nora
Before finding EF (only a few months ago), I had no idea about the "safety" of the different materials! According to my significant other, we had an impressive toy collection too (now that I have seen pictures here, we have a micro-collection compared to some here). That collection has all sorts of materials in it, including some now that I wish I still had the packaging for to check for some of those "harmful chemicals". But, like someone said, it takes quite a bit of exposure to the chemical to be "noticed" (for lack of a better word), and it isn't like I shove an insertable up in me and leave it there for three days straight (or even one day...)!

I LOVE the vast amount of information available on the site! I'll admit though, I am not always the best at check materials before I buy either. Where it gets confusing is the TPE/TPR-Silicone/Silic one toys. I recently got a toy that was labeled as Silicone (in the title), listed as TPR-Silicone on the materials list on the site, and the packaging was labeled as "made from: TPE"! From my research, I found the only "real" difference between TPE and TPR is the amount of plastic and/or silicone added to the thermoplastic "base" material (the elastomers). TPR has a slightly different chemical compound ratio than TPE and from what I can tell, Silicone falls under the same heading but is more "pure" than the compounded materials.

Okay, science lesson over, my point is that sometimes the "safety" levels given by EF can vary from actual product safety for several reasons: what the company that makes the toy tells them it is made from, if it has a hard plastic handle (the plastic has a lower safety number and shows the toy is less safe than it should), and possibly a mistyped material (TPE/TPR...could be a typo?), just to name a few.

Using your best judgement for what is the right product for "you" is always best! I have to stay away from almost everything labeled "flavored" due to sugar content, others clamor for it!
09/18/2011
Bignuf Bignuf
Quote:
Originally posted by lexical
I am under the impression that many, if not most, latex, rubber, and jelly toys are likely to contain phthalates. We carry many items made of these materials, as well as materials that are porous and likely to become a yucky breeding ground for ... More
EF has been AWESOME in having more details and information...plus these forums, on their site then anyone. As for what is "dangerous and yukky", sorry...we disagree.

It should be buyers informed choice. I have a very strong medical science background and I happen to LOVE my Jelly toys. Always have. I do all kinds of play with them, but use impeccable cleaning too. NEVER had an infection or problem of ANY kind and still do NOT understand the bias against them. NOTHING feels better to me..period. (yes, I have glass, silicone, wood, metal..heck, I probably have some alien mineral toys made from Area 51 recovered UFO parts...but my JELLY toy still own my heart (and other body parts) and I would be REALLY sad if EF stopped carrying them.

If YOU don't like them....then please, DON'T buy them. We really don't need more "nanny state" lack of choice here, okay? We are all adults.

Thanks.
09/22/2011
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