Disposable baby diaper--a threat to the health and environment

J Environ Sci Eng. 2012 Jul;54(3):447-52.

Abstract

There is no doubt that disposable diapers are wonderfully convenient but are they safe for the babies? It is clear that there are also a number of potential dangers. Most of the parents are not aware of the adverse effects of this product being in contact with baby's reproductive organs 24 hours a day more than two years and the long-term effects it causes to the surroundings. Disposable diapers have been implicated by diapering proponents like leak proof polymers, super absorbent polymers and some scented chemicals which are the key factors for everything from chronic diaper rash, respiratory problems like asthma, male infertility even to testicular cancer. This article gives the detailed review of the health and other related problems in using the disposable baby diapers like cancer, liver damage, skin diseases, male infertility, birth abnormalities, respiratory problems, land fills, environmental pollution, toxic chemicals used etc.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Diapers, Infant / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Refuse Disposal
  • Solid Waste / analysis*

Substances

  • Solid Waste