Are Disposable Diapers Dangerous?
31779
Home & Family > Pregnancy
May 19, 2007
mwbarrows
Are Disposable Diapers Dangerous?
Disposable diapers rule! But mom always said that cloth diapers are best. That's probably because she never had the choice of disposables that are available today. Ever since disposable diapers became really popular in the 1970s, they have been first choice for (nearly) all moms due to the ease of use and convenience of disposal. They are very absorbent and hold messes better, they come in a large variety of sizes, they have special dry liners to keep wetness off babies' skin and you just throw them away when used. But over the last few years, there has been a growing backlash against disposable diapers. Much of this has been driven by ever greater environmental concerns, but there now seems to also be a growing body of scientific evidence to support the 'cloth is best' movement. But can disposable diapers really be dangerous? Well here are some potential issues that you may wish to consider; Dangers to your pocket: In comparison to cloth diapers, disposables are extremely expensive. It is estimated that a baby will use up to 6,000 disposable diapers in two and a half years, compared to 25-50 cloth diapers. That is a massive difference in cost, although this is offset by the cleaning costs of cloth diapers. Dangers to baby: 1. Disposables are more likely to cause skin irritations (rashes and allergic reactions) than the natural fibres of cloth diapers. It's not uncommon to expect some form of diaper rash, but it can be unpleasant and very hard to treat. 2. The chemicals used in disposable nappies are not subject to government controls or independent testing. No one really knows the long term effects of having such chemicals next to a baby's skin for 2 1/2 years. 3. Disposables work too well! Their highly absorbent abilities prevent babies from feeling wetness. This hinders potty training in older babies, because they don't have the motivation to get rid of that uncomfortable wet feeling. Evidence suggests that babies who wear real diapers potty train 6-12 months before disposable wearers. 4. Disposable diaper problems that have been reported over the years have included chemical burns, reports of babies pulling disposables apart and putting pieces of plastic into their noses and mouth, choking on tab papers and linings, plastic melting onto the skin and ink staining the skin. 5. In 2000, the BBC reported on a German study which suggested that disposable diapers could be linked to both male infertility and testicular cancer. The research found that the plastic lining in disposable diapers impaired testicular cooling and increased the temperature of the scrotum by one degree. High scrotal temperatures are known to reduce sperm counts in adults. Disposable diapers may therefore have an adverse affect on the development of a boy's reproductive system. 6. The premier British medical journal The Lancet has reported that hip problems have increased over the last 20 years with the widespread use of disposable diapers, because they don't provide enough support for correct hip development for crawling and walking. Cotton (cloth) diapers gives more support holding a new-born's legs in the optimum position for good/correct hip development. 7. A 1999 American study linked disposable diapers to asthma. Six leading cotton and disposable diapers were tested on lab mice; cloth diapers were not found to cause respiratory problems, but the disposable diapers caused eye, nose and throat irritation, including bronchoconstriction similar to that of an asthma attack. Dangers to Mom Landfill sites now have a big problem with disposable nappies. In 1998, The Lancet published a report which link close proximity to landfill with congenital abnormalities. It found that pregnant women living within a 3KM radius are one third more likely to have babies with birth abnormalities, e.g. spina bifida and heart defects. Dangers To The Environment 1. Disposable nappies use 90 times the amount of renewable resources (e.g. wood pulp) and 8 times the amount of non-regenerable resources (e.g. one cup of crude oil is needed to make one disposable nappy). 2. No one really knows how long it takes for a disposable nappy to break down - it is suspected that it could be hundreds of years, which means that every disposable nappy ever used and put in a landfill site is still around. With 6,000 nappies being used per baby, this is creating major environmental problems around the world. So far, manufacturers' attempts to create more biodegradable disposables have failed to convince the environmentalists of their effectiveness. There is no doubt that disposable diapers are wonderfully convenient. However, it is clear that there are also a number of potential dangers. Mom may not have been a scientist, but she may have been right after all - cloth may really be best.
Michael Barrows' website has great info on baby names, baby name lists and lots of baby resources. Get your free ebook packed with baby tips for new parents, visit the disposable baby diapers website.
send email to mwbarrows
Write a Review
Add to My Favorite
Refer it to Friend
Report Article
Other links owned by this user
African American parents face several dilemmas when naming their children. This article examines the issues of cultural awareness, vs the potential disadvantages of choosing African American baby names.
Category:
Irish baby names have survived a very turbulent history. The articles explores how Irish baby names disappeared for a long period, but a now experiencing increased popularity.
Category:
People talk about African baby names, but is there really such a thing? This article looks at the range of influences that affect baby naming traditions on the large and very diverse African continent.
Category:
Baby jewelry can be simple and low-cost, but its effect can last for generations. This article looks at the various types of baby jewelry available and explains to how to choose the most relevant.
Category:
Italian baby names sound beautiful and usually have nice meanings. This article explores Italian baby naming traditions and highlights which names are currently the most popular.
Category:
Used car seats - great bargains, but potential death traps! This article guides you through the process of buying a used car seat to ensure that you so so safely.
Category:
Southern Living magazine, one of teh giggest selling magazine in the US, celebrates its 40th birthday in 2006. This article looks at its history and current impact on southern living.
Category:
Convenience makes disposable diapers the only choice for millions of parents. But cloth diapers are making a strong comeback. This article explores the various advantages and disadvantages of cloth and disposable diapers.
Category:
Indian baby names and deeply rooted in tradition and religion. This article explores the history of indian baby names and how things are changing in the modern world.
Category:
Every parent loves to buy cute clothes for their young kids. But there is a danger in being too obsessed with looks. This article sets out the real priorities parents should consider when buying baby clothes.
Category:
There are lots of different types of baby carriers on the market. This article gives some tips on how to choose the best baby carrier for you.
Category:
Baby blankets and baby baedding is lovely and cosy - but it can alsobe dangerous. This article explores the dangers and explains the simple precautions you can take to avoid the dangers.
Category:
Punk hairstyles are unique and colorful. This article looks at the development of punk hairstyles since the 1970s and examines the modern trends in punk hairstyles.
Category:
The popularity of baby names is really good measure of changing times and cultural changes. This article anaylses the trends in popular baby names in the US and UK over the last 100 years.
Category:
The birth of a new baby is a special occasion. This article gives tips on how you can make the baby announcement a unique and memorable event.
Category:
Baby monitors are great parenting tools. But how do you choose a good one? This article gives some top tips on what to consider when buying a baby monitor.
Category:
Need some good baby shower games ideas - check out the Web! This articles describes a few of the great baby shower games that you can buy on teh Internet.
Category:
Tom Cruise's new baby Suri provides another entry into the wonderful world of celebrity baby names - and the name confirms why you should do your research before naming your baby! Michael Barrows explains.
Category:
Biblical baby names names have always been popular in America. This article explains why and identifies the most popular biblical baby names.
Category:
What are the trends in baby boy names in the UK and the US? This article examines the continuing popularity of more traditional baby boy names in a rapidly changing society.
Category:
Other links at Home & Family > Pregnancy
The U.S. Department of Agriculture cautions pregnant women to stay away from eating unpasteurized soft cheeses, other unpasteurized dairy products, lunch meat or hotdogs - unless cooked.
Category:
At the end of this article, you would have discovered 3 very important tips that will help you maintain - from start to finish - a healthy pregnancy!
Category:
Mothers acquired Anemia before pregnancy due to severe blood loss during menstruation, giving birth, miscarriage and other factors. That is why it is advisable to eat iron rich foods and take iron supplements.
Category:
Did you know that the female orgasm plays a vital role in your ability to conceive? Find out why that's the case, and learn how to use it to maximize your chances of becoming pregnant.
Category:
Acid reflux treatment in pregnancy can be a little tricky. Balancing cures, diet and exercise with what's good for both avoiding reflux and sticking to doctor's orders for the baby's sake can be tough. Let's face it, sleeping can be
Category:
Site Sponsor
Directory Statistics
Articles: 68285
Categories: 501
Yahoo Entertainment
