Humanity is participating in a large, uncontrolled sexual experiment with endocrine disrupters. These compounds mimic the effects of estrogen or other sex hormones. Humans are exposed to them from a variety of sources. And the evidence is mounting that they can influence gender identity, fertility, and act as anti-aphrodisiacs.

Sex bloggers have devoted some attention recently to the pthalate issue - phlatates are synthetic chemicals added to plastics to keep them from drying out and cracking. Pthalates can be found in many cheaper dildos, vibrators, and other sex toys. Pthalates are endocrine disruptors, and they also cause liver and kidney damage in lab studies.

There is an obvious disconnect between placing a vibrator that might damage the reproductive system on the genitals for pleasure. The real consequences are a matter of debate - the Danish health authorities concluded that using sex toys a few hours a week posed no real risk, unless a woman was pregnant. But the idea still seems suspect. Many of the manufacturers of the better sex toys have already eliminated pthalates, and others are moving to reduce or eliminate them.

A much larger danger from pthalates comes from some lipsticks, nail polishes, and other cosmetics - the chemicals there are more available, and are applied to the skin in a way that guarantees absorption. And you might want to use gloves when you detail your car - ArmorAll and other sprays intended to protect plastic and rubber contain pthalates as a main ingredient. PVC fetish clothing can lead to significant exposure to toxic vinyl chloride. As a rule of thumb, the more plastic smell there is from a product, the more potential endocrine disrupters are present. New Car Smell?? Some people love it because they associate it with the luxury of a new car. It's loaded with toxins.

Synthetic nitromusks used in perfume are another class of endocrine disrupters. Not surprising, since real musk is a secretion loaded with pheromone and hormone compounds. Because real musk is expensive, synthetic imitations were developed in the 1940s, and have been added to perfumes, shampoos, and soaps for the past 50 years. These synthetic versions of musk do not break down in the body as rapidly as real musk, and they can accumulate in the body and exert a continued estrogenic effect. A study in Germany found that the levels of synthetic nitromusks in the blood of women are associated with ovarian insufficiency. (PMID 11771925)

A recent article in the BBC described the case of three young boys (ages 4 to 10) who developed enlarged breasts. Questioning by the doctors found a common factor: all three had been exposed to large doses of lavender and tea tree oil. Exposure to the suspected oils was halted, and their breasts gradually returned to normal. (Link to BBC Article)

Another well studied case involves Lake Apopka in Florida. An accumulation of DDT and related pesticides with estrogenic effects had a severe effect on the ecosystem. Male alligators in the lake developed female characteristics, and showed a pronounced drop in fertility. (PubMed Article)

Some scientists also question the effect of isoflavonoids in soy, which have been occasionally linked to persistent sexual arousal syndrome in women. While their estrogenic effect might be valuable in menopausal and post-menopausal women, the wisdom of soy infant formula has been a matter of debate.

In ancient Greece and Rome, Lead Sulfate was used as a sweetener, and Lead poisoning led to a drop in the health and vigor of the upper class citizens who could afford that fashionable poison. Although the full effect of endocrine disruptors will not be known for decades, they may prove to have a similar effect on 'modern' man and woman.

Violet Blue has a well-researched article on unsafe sex products at her Tiny Nibbles site. In addition to pthalates, she talks about a wide range of sex-related products that could cause problems.