Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

What is a Volatile Organic Compound??
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids. These would not be an ingredient in the diaper, but a gas emitted from something in the diaper. Synthetic fibers are made of petro-chemicals that contain volatile organic compounds and diapers contain many synthetic fibers.

Health Effects? 

Per the EPA (www.epa.gov)

Eye, nose, and throat irritation; headaches, loss of coordination, nausea; damage to liver, kidney, and central nervous system. Some organics can cause cancer in animals; some are suspected or known to cause cancer in humans. Key signs or symptoms associated with exposure to VOCs include conjunctival irritation, nose and throat discomfort, headache, allergic skin reaction, dyspnea, declines in serum cholinesterase levels, nausea, emesis, epistaxis, fatigue, dizziness.

The ability of organic chemicals to cause health effects varies greatly from those that are highly toxic, to those with no known health effect. As with other pollutants, the extent and nature of the health effect will depend on many factors including level of exposure and length of time exposed. Eye and respiratory tract irritation, headaches, dizziness, visual disorders, and memory impairment are among the immediate symptoms that some people have experienced soon after exposure to some organics. At present, not much is known about what health effects occur from the levels of organics usually found in homes. Many organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals; some are suspected of causing, or are known to cause, cancer in humans.

A study conducted by Anderson Laboratories in 1999, published in the Archives of Environmental Health, found that disposable diapers release volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), including toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and dipentene. All of these VOCs have been shown to have toxic health effects, such as cancer and brain damage, with long-term or high level exposure.

The researchers also discovered that mice exposed to the chemicals released by disposable diapers were more likely to experience irritated airways than mice exposed to emissions from cloth diapers. These effects were increased during repeat exposures. The authors suggested that disposable diapers may cause "asthma-like" reactions and urged more study into a possible link between diaper emissions and asthma.

In conclusion:

Again, this is not a product I would want my child exposed to on a daily basis. With the combination of chemicals and synthetics in the diapers we are opening ourselves up to numerous possible ill side-effects.  

Sodium polyacrylate

What is Sodium Polyacrylate?
It is the granular polymer inside of the disposable diaper that absorbs wetness. This is the polymer that allows disposables to hold so much liquid.

From the Material Safety and Handling Sheet:

SECTION 3 – HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION
Emergency Overview
Sodium polyacrylate is a white, granular, odorless polymer that yields a gel-like material with the addition of water. It is insoluble in water and causes extremely slippery conditions when wet. Although not regulated as a hazardous material, the respirable dust is potential respiratory tract irritant. The manufacturer recommends an eight-hour exposure limit of 0.05 mg/m³.
Potential Health Effects: Eyes
Dust may cause burning, drying, itching, and other discomfort, resulting in reddening of the eyes.
Potential Health Effects: Skin
Exposure to the dust may aggravate existing skin conditions due to drying effect.
Potential Health Effects: Ingestion
Although not a likely route of entry, tests have shown that polyacrylate absorbents are non-toxic if ingested.
However, as in any instance of non-food consumption, seek medical attention in the event of any adverse
symptoms.
Potential Health Effects: Inhalation
Exposure to respirable dust may cause respiratory tract and lung irritation and may aggravate existing
respiratory conditions.


Doesn't sound too terrible, but when you consider it was once present in tampons, but was removed for causing Toxic Shock Syndrome sounds a little scarier.

It is a known skin irritant! Because it is able to absorb so much liquid it actually can dry the skin out. This is the most likely culprit for diaper rash in disposable diapered babies. It can strip all the natural oils from the skin causing irritation.

Ultimately it is unknown as to what long-term effects it can have on our children. 

Common Chemicals in Diapers

I was going to take the list of chemicals that are in Pampers disposable diapers and research them. However, since Pampers does not want to give that information, I will use the list of chemicals provided by LiveStrong instead. There list includes those chemicals that are commonly used in diapers. This does not mean they are used in every diaper, but are commonly used in disposable diapers.

Here is the list:
1) Dioxin
2) Tributyl-tin (TBT)
3) sodium polyacrylate
4) Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
5) dyes, fragrances, plastics and petrolatums

Tomorrow I will start with Dioxin!

**Any disposable diaper company that does not use these chemicals feel free to email me a list of the ingredients that you do use- tara@diaperparties.com