German government asked to probe sex toys

Germany's Green party filed a formal request in parliament Wednesday for the government to probe the level of potentially dangerous chemicals in sex toys.

"Consumers must be protected when it comes to sexual health. Feigned embarrassment or false taboos should not prevent information getting out and checks being done," MP Volker Beck said.

The party wants Chancellor Angela Merkel's government to investigate legal limits to the levels of certain chemicals in dildos, vibrators and other sex aids and announce plans to reduce risk.

Studies in recent years have shown that plastic sex toys contain high levels of substances like phthalate, thought to upset hormone levels in women and cause infertility and diabetes, the Greens claimed.

(c) 2011 AFP