"Day after day, week after week, incredibly sensitive newborns and toddlers may be exposed to some of the most toxic substances on the planet." —European Environmental Bureau deputy manager for chemicals
A baby's skin absorbs so much, making them particularly susceptible to harmful chemicals.
Few things come into contact with a baby's skin as often as a diaper. For the first few years of life, babies practically live in them.
It would be nice to live in a world where our governments strictly regulate every product children are exposed to, ensuring that only the safest diapers could touch your baby's skin. Unfortunately, that's not the reality we live in today.
Here's what the US government does: they test diapers for lead. That's it. In the United States, diapers are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, but they don't require manufacturers to test diapers for most chemicals nor do they require them to disclose ingredients. This lack of transparency makes it even harder for parents to make informed decisions for their children.
Cause for Alarm
Primarily in Europe, and to a lesser extent in the United States, consumers and advocacy organizations are trying to sound the alarm on the dangerous compounds being found in diapers.
Here are a few recent examples:
France’s ANSES agency tested popular brands of disposable diapers and identified 38 chemicals classified as having "very severe hazards" in those sold across Europe. According to officials, most of these chemicals disrupt hormones, which means there is no safe level of exposure to them. The agency warns that children could face “potentially very severe, variable and latent diseases affecting their quality of life over their lifetime… such as cancers, suspected endocrine disruption, reprotoxic effects, etc.” (2019)
The European Consumer Organization found that several leading brands of disposable diapers contained harmful chemicals such as glyphosate, fragrances, and toxic heavy metals like lead and mercury. (2020)
The Journal of Environmental Health reviewed various diaper brands and detected hazardous chemicals, including formaldehyde and certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can affect respiratory health and skin sensitivity. (2021)
Understanding the Materials Used in Diapers
Diapers are made from various materials, both natural and synthetic.
Many diaper brands use different types of plastics to increase flexibility and hold in liquids. Phthalates is one of these classes of plastic chemicals used. These are known endocrine system disruptors and have been linked to reproductive abnormalities.
Plastics can also emit VOCs. These chemicals can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
From the Environmental Working Group:
"A study in the journal Reproductive Toxicology tested four different brands of diapers and detected the VOCs toluene and xylene in all of them. Both chemicals may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin and are known reproductive toxicants. The study authors note that “the physical location of the exposure site, the high absorption rate of the genitalia for chemicals, and the long-term exposure period” are all cause for concern."
Longterm exposure to these chemicals has been linked to kidney, liver, and nervous system damage.
Adhesive Glue
The adhesive material used in assembling disposable diapers can also be dangerous. Many are made from alkylphenol ethoxylates, which also impacts the endocrine system and is associated with endometrial cancer.
Wetness Indicators
Some diaper companies add wetness indicators to help parents know when a baby needs a diaper change. These indicators usually change color when they come in contact with urine, making it easier to tell when a diaper is wet. However, the chemicals used in these indicators, such as quaternary ammonium compounds and halogenated organic compounds, can pose health risks. Quaternary ammonium compounds have been linked to developmental and reproductive problems.
Some wetness indicators also contain petroleum-derived and ethoxylated compounds. These substances may be contaminated with harmful impurities, including potentially carcinogenic chemicals. Given these risks, it is safer to use diapers without wetness indicators.
Fragrances
Fragrances can cause allergic reactions like asthma attacks, headaches, and skin issues.
Companies can also hide harmful chemicals behind the term "fragrance" while claiming their fragrance blend is confidential company information. Some of these chemicals hidden under the term can react with air to create dangerous pollutants like formaldehyde.
Since children are more vulnerable to chemical exposure, it's safer to choose fragrance-free diapers.
Cotton
Cotton ranks as the third most heavily treated crop with pesticides in the U.S. But it is commonly used in disposable as well as reusable diapers.
The pesticides used on cotton have been linked to cancer. A recent study found three pesticides, including glyphosate (ie. Roundup), in the diapers tested.
Safe Diapers
For the healthiest options, look for diapers that use organic and non-toxic materials. Organic cotton, bamboo, and other plant-based fibers are excellent choices as they are gentle on the skin and environmentally friendly.
Organic cotton seems safe.
Healthy Baby brand diapers are the only diaper verified by the Environmental Working Group. It's also the top pick of Mamavation, a site that did their own independent testing of chemicals in diapers. Coterie Diapers and Seventh Generation also ranked fairly high.
The top reusable cloth diapers, according to Mamavation are Cloth-EEZ, EcoAble, Pooters, and Puppi's A12.
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