in short, it is a highly toxic biocide.The European Union has decided to specifically include TBT compounds in its list of priority compounds in water in order to control its fate in natural systems, due to their toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative and endocrine disruptive characteristics.
Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack said "Fact is that TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made, and it is being spread through the environment. It can be absorbed through the skin and contaminates the environment as well as people," he noted.This environmental pollutant has a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm people's immune systems and impair their hormonal system.
Tributyltin compounds are moderately toxic via both ingestion and dermal absorption. The tributyltin compounds may be strongly irritating to the skin in humans, especially the hair follicles, and skin exposure may result in chemical burns in only a few minutes if the concentration of tributyltin is high enough. Shipyard workers exposed to TBT (occupationally exposed to dusts and vapors) developed irritated skin, dizziness, difficulty breathing, and flu-like symptoms. Other mucous membranes such as the eyes and nasal passages may also become irritated upon exposure. Tributyltin compounds are listed as endocrine disrupters by the EU and as a "known" endocrine disruptor by the Illinois EPA.
Is this something we want on our babies skin??
I know I don't! What is scary to me about this particular chemical is that it is known to be absorbed via the dermal tissue. So that means that if this is in our baby's diapers which touch their skin, they are absorbing some of this toxic substance. It is an endocrine disruptor with hormone-like effect. It can impair hormonal and immune systems as well as cause chemical burns and rashes.
Why are companies still allowed to distribute a product like this??
Because the companies are downplaying its significance. Greenpeace did a study on disposable nappies in the U.K. in 2000 and found the following:
The new test, during which several parts of "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" were analysed, found the highest contamination in the belt section of these nappies. "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" contained up to 38.4 micrograms of TBT per kilogram, a much higher level then in the first tests of a pool sample published last Friday. (1) Furthermore the inner and outer layer were found to be contaminated. Greenpeace also found other organotin compounds in the Pampers, including DBT and MBT. If all discovered organotin compounds were added, a total of 53.2 micrograms per kilogram were found.Greenpeace's scientific test results contradict a statement by Procter & Gamble, in which the company denied that its nappies were contaminated with organotin compounds. Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack said: "The reaction of Procter & Gamble is a scandal. The company is downplaying the danger instead of actively searching for the source of TBT in Pampers. It is absolutely irresponsible to expose babies to these extremely toxic substances".
Conclusion:
Parents need to be aware of the "ingredients" that are in everything that they put on their child's skin. The companies are not going to be forthcoming with the information (see previous article Pampers Response to ingredient request ) so please do your research! I personally am very disappointed with Proctor and Gamble's irresponsible actions with regards to their products. I feel that we as consumers have a right to know what goes into these products and what potential harm they could pose to our children. They can get away with putting a number of toxic substances in their diapers without having to release that information to the public because it is a "trade secret". So consider using cloth diapers if you are not already! At least then you will know what is going on your baby's bottom.
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