CHEMICALS IN DISPOSABLES

I have used reputable sources in my research. These sources include US government websites, medical and science journals such as: the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), the American Journal of Epidemiology, the Archives of Environmental Health, the Archives of Disease in Childhood, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), the Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry, the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Dioxins and sodium polyacrylate, two of the major chemicals found in disposable diapers, causes the following toxic responses: cancer, reproductive & infertility problems, asthma & respiratory distress, hormonal problems, developmental & cognitive problems, suppressed immune system, diabetes, endometriosis, allergic reactions, chemical burns, Chloracne, and Toxic Shock Syndrome.

What's in Disposable Diapers Anyway?
 

• Dioxins - Dioxin is an extremely toxic, cancer-causing chemical that is found in disposable diapers as a result (by product) of the chlorine bleaching process. High doses of dioxins cause a skin disease called Chloracne.According to the World Health Organization, dioxins are "persistent environmental pollutants" that can cause an array of health problems including developmental delays, damaged immunity, hormone interference, and certain cancers.


• Sodium Polyacrylate (SAP) - This super absorbent polymer is added to diapers in its granular powder form and turns into a gel-like substance once the diaper becomes wet. These are the small, shiny, gelatinous crystals that you will sometimes find in your baby's private parts during diaper changing. It is a drying agent responsible for absorbing moisture in the diaper. It also absorbs (leaches) oils and moisture from a baby's skin, causing abrasion, irritation and drying of the skin
  When the powder gets wet, it turns into a gel that:
  • Can absorb up to 100 times its weight in water.
  • Can stick to baby's genitals, causing allergic reactions.
  • Can cause severe skin irritation, oozing blood from perineum and scrotal tissues, fever, vomiting and staph infections in babies.
  • Was banned from tampons in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome.
  • When injected into rats, has caused hemorrhage, cardiovascular failure and death.
  • Has killed children after ingesting as little as 5 grams of it.
  
  
   
• Phthalates - And if dioxin weren't bad enough, the plastic in all disposable diapers contains phthalates. These are the plastic softeners that were recently banned from children's teething rings and other toys because of toxicity. Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they mimic human hormones and send false signals to the body.


• Heavy Metals - Some disposable diapers contain Tributyl Tin (TBT) and other heavy metals. Considered a highly toxic environmental pollutant, TBT spreads through the skin and has a hormone-like effect in the tiniest concentrations. TBT harms the immune system and impairs the hormonal system, and it is speculated that it could cause sterility in boys.


• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) - Many disposable diapers release VOCs such as ethylbenzene, toluene, and xylene. According to the EPA, some VOCs are carcinogens. Others can cause neurological problems, eye irritation, and decreased immunity.


• Tributyltin - This is toxic to humans and environment, is a persistent organic pollutant, causes irreversible damage to aquatic life, and is linked to obesity in humans (triggers genes that cause the growth of fat cells).


• Xylene - This is toxic to the respiratory and central nervous systems. Breathing high concentrations in an enclosed space can cause irregular heartbeats which can cause death.


• Ethylbenzene - This chemical is listed as possibly cancer-causing. It is mutagenic (capable of causing mutation). The substance may be toxic to the central nervous system. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. It may cause central nervous system depression, is an aspiration hazard if swallowed and can enter the lungs and cause damage. It causes eye, skin, and respiratory tract irritation.


• Styrene - This substance is cancer-causing and is toxic to the nervous system and upper respiratory tract. Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage. It is very hazardous to the eyes.


• Propylene - This chemical is an anesthetic at high concentrations. Inhalation may cause central nervous system depression producing dizziness, drowsiness, headache and similar narcotic symptoms. Extremely high concentrations can cause asphyxiation and death by displacing oxygen from the breathing atmosphere.


• Toluene - The substance may be toxic to blood, kidneys, the nervous system, liver, brain, and central nervous system (CNS). Repeated or prolonged exposure to the substance can produce target organs damage.


 

SUPER ABSORBENT GELS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Super-absorbent disposables can do three things to your baby:

• Facilitate less diaper changing from parents, which leads to rashes because of exposure to the super-absorbent chemicals, bacteria, and ammonia from accumulated urine in the diaper
• Reduce air circulation and pull natural moisture out of your baby's skin,which can cause irritation
• Raise the temperature of a baby boy's scrotum far above body temperature, to the point that it can stop his testicles from developing normally, according to a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood
• Certain dyes used to add color to disposable diapers have been shown to cause allergic reactions resulting in rashes. Repeated exposure to the dye can cause a long-term allergy

REFERENCES

Visit the published article by US national library of medicine,

Summary here

Visit the study done by US pedetric organistation

Summary here

One study in Pediatrics that looked at several babies who suffered from rashes found that the rashes only occurred in places where the skin was in direct contact with the dyed part of the diaper. Researchers believe that it is the continued exposure to the dyes that causes a sensitization, or allergic reaction, in babies
The study also found the following chemicals in disposable diapers to be associated with allergic contact dermatitis (skin rash):

• Mercaptobenzothiazole (rubber chemical)
• P-tert-butyl-phenol-formaldehyde resin (glue)
• Cyclohexylthiophthalimide (found in rubber)

Visit the study about the chemical Dioxin

Summary here

The U.S. Environmental Protecttion Agency (EPA) released its Dioxin Reassessment in draft form in 2000, which concluded that dioxin should be classified as a known human carcinogen. The American Journal of Epidemiology, Volume 154, Issue 5, Pp. 451-458, states that the International Agency for Research on Cancer recently concluded that 2,3,7,8 TCDD is a human carcinogen. This data supports recent conclusions by the US Environmental Protection Agency.

Other References

• In 1999, a study showed that childhood respiratory problems, including asthma, might be linked to inhaling the mixture of chemicals emitted from disposable diapers. The study identified these chemicals in emissions from two brands of disposable diapers (specific brands tested were not disclosed)


• In 1999,a study also named other chemicals it found in diaper emissions, such as toluene, which depresses the central nervous system; ethylbenzene, a potential carcinogen; dipentene, a skin and eye irritant; and styrene, which harms the nervous and respiratory systems


• In 2005, Pediatrics found that the dyes used on diapers were often the cause of diaper rash. Some dyes can even contain heavy metals, and heavy metals are not what you want near your baby's skin.


 

Videos Showing The Harmful Effects Of Disposables