Harmful Chemicals in Diapers
Bambo Nature is certified FREE from harmful chemicals
As would any responsible parents, we surely would like to know what diapers are made of. Sadly this important info is missing from the packaging of most diapers as there are NO regulations imposing manufacturer to list the contents. Nonetheless thanks to information gathered by few concern individual, we know that diapers in general contains substances that are known to be HARMFUL and DANGEROUS to both HEALTH and NATURE as stated below. BAMBO NATURE diapers are CERTIFIED to be FREE of harmful chemicals!
1. Dioxin
Most disposable diapers are bleached white with chlorine, (Chemistryexplained.com) resulting in a byproduct called dioxins that leach into the environment and the diapers. Diapers are bleached white with chlorine, and dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine bleaching.
Why Dangerous?
Dioxin is also carcinogenic. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science and are listed by the EPA as highly carcinogenic chemicals. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to dioxins may cause skin reactions and altered liver function, as well as impairments to the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system and reproductive functions. Diapers come into contact with the genital region, which lead to claims of dioxin leading to reproductive area cancers. Disposable diapers also thereby create dioxin pollution, which ends up in our food and ultimately ends up in our bodies.
2. VOCs or volatile organic compounds
Most diaper contains organic chemicals such as ethylbenzene, toluene, xylene and dipentene that have a high vapor pressure at ordinary room temperature.
Why Dangerous?
According to the EPA, VOCs can cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches, damage to the liver, kidney and central nervous system. Some VOCs are even suspected of causing cancer in humans (EPA.gov). These toxins are released by disposable diapers, and these chemicals have been proven to have toxic health effects with long term exposure or high level exposure.
3. Tributyl-tin (TBT)
Many disposable diapers contain a chemical called tributyl-tin (TBT).
Why Dangerous?
According to the EPA, this toxic pollutant is extremely harmful to aquatic (water) life and causes endocrine (hormonal) disruptions in aquatic organisms. TBT is a polluting chemical that does not degrade but remains in the environment and in our food chain. TBT is also an ingredient used in biocides to kill infecting organisms. Additionally, according to research published by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, tributyl-tin can trigger genes that promote the growth of fat cells, causing obesity in humans.
4. Fragrance – phthalates
Why Dangerous?
Fragrance – as an ingredient in anything you use – contains phthalates, which are chemicals proven to be endocrine system disrupters.
5. Neurotoxins and undisclosed ingredients
CBC news article: “There is an often-cited study by Andersen Laboratories in 1999, published in the Archives of Environmental Health. In the study conducted on mice, scientists found that “diaper emissions were found to include several chemicals with documented respiratory toxicity,” according to lead author Rosalind Anderson, a physiologist. She found that the mice suffered asthma-like symptoms when exposed to a variety of diaper brands.”
Why Dangerous?
Chemical such xylene and ethyl benzene were emitted by the diapers, chemicals that are suspected endocrine, neurological and respiratory toxins; along with styrene, a chemical linked to cancer and isopropylene a neurotoxin. The article goes on to explain that diaper manufactures are not obligated to disclose their ingredients, even though they share many of the same ingredients that cosmetics and personal care companies are required to disclose.
6. SAP or sodium polyacrylate
Disposable diapers contain this super absorbent polymer, which becomes a gel-like substance when wet.
Why Dangerous?
SAP is thought to be linked to skin irritations and respiratory problems. However as it has only been used in diapers for the last two decades, there is not yet research on the long-term health effects of sodium polyacrylate on babies. Note: This chemical was removed from tampons due to toxic shock syndrome concern.
7. Others
Formaldehyde (HCHO), Colophonium, AZO-pigments, PVC, Optical brightener, Antioxidents or latex
Why Dangerous?
These substances are known to be harmful to both health and nature.
Sources:
1. Disposable diapers: Are they dangerous? ..By Anna Sharratt, CBC News Posted: May 28, 2010 2:54 PM
2. Chemicals in Disposable DiapersLast Updated: Dec 18, 2013 | By Noreen Kassem
3. The Health Impact of Disposable Diapers, by Charise Rohm Nulsen
