Pampers, Dioxin, and eating "super absorbent gel"

Everyone knows how much I love Pampers. (Please note a completely sarcastic tone). Many of you have read their response to my simple request for an ingredients list. However, when I was looking at their site there were a couple other things that caught my eye, so I did some research and here is what I found.

In their FAQ section there is a question about bleaching. Here is a small excerpt from their response:

Our suppliers use elemental chlorine-free processes that do not result in the formation of dioxin or other pollutants from the former pulp-making process. In fact, in the U.S. pulp industry, elemental chlorine technologies were completely phased out by 2001 so most, if not all, disposable diapers are made in the U.S. with pulp bleached without elemental chlorine.

At first glance I first wondered if all their plants use this process, but I know not to ask because I am certainly not going to get a response. (Maybe if I have a doctor's note??) So what is an "elemental chlorine-free process"? (ECF) is a technique that uses chlorine dioxide (instead of elemental chlorine) for the bleaching of wood pulp. If they do use this process it does considerably reduce the risk of dioxin being produced; however, it is not 100%. The chemistry of the ECF process shows that the main bleaching agent, chlorine dioxide, is still capable of producing dioxins. Research by both the pulp industry and the EPA demonstrates that chlorine dioxide bleaching does not ensure total elimination of dioxins. Therefore, they can not say it DOES NOT result in dioxin production because in fact it still can and even small amounts of dioxin have been linked to numerous health effects such as cancers. This is a really good step in the right direction as far as health effects are concerned because the likelihood of  producing a dioxin is diminished considerably!

However, there is another layer to the bleaching process as well! The environmental impact of the process. Traditional elemental bleaching was horrific on the environment, so many companies have claimed that by switching to an ECF system they have eliminated the issues. This is only half true. They have taken great stride; however, they have only gone halfway! To be the most environmentally friendly AND the healthiest. these companies would need to adopt a COMPLETELY chlorine free process.Chlorine dioxide (which is still used in their bleaching process) is ranked in the top 10 percent of harmful chemicals. The substance has been found to harm all forms of life and disrupt ecosystems.(a good article to read on the subject is from GreenPeace-read it here)

The next thing that caught my eye was this statement when asked about the gel inside the diaper:

This super absorbent gel, which is used in most disposable diapers, are the small beads that turn into a gel-like material in order to hold the large amount of liquid. This has been shown to be non-irritating, safe for skin and even safe if ingested. 

 I know in my article on sodium polyacrylate I had provided an MSDS sheet (material safety and data sheet). So I took a look at it. Sure enough, not a hazard if swallowed. Hmmm....I thought this was curious so I did some more research. I found an updated MSDS. The original one I posted was from 2004. I found a new one updated in 2006. It states: "May be harmful if swallowed. May cause irritation. Avoid breathing vapors, or dusts. Use with adequate ventilation. Avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothes. Wash thoroughly after handling". So I had two conflicting MSDS sheets. What next?

Called poison control! I asked if a baby were to ingest any of the inside of a disposable diaper could it harm the baby. They said typically the baby does not ingest enough for them to be worried about and they typically do not see many issues with this type of incident; however, what they would worry about is INTESTINAL BLOCKAGE! He said that normally this is not an issue but CAN BE! He said to watch for the baby vomiting, having difficulty passing bowel movement, blood in stool, or any changes in bowel movements. This can be a sign of an issue.

So my conclusion, not "safe" as Pampers states to ingest. Also per the MSDS sheet is a KNOWN skin irritant. That was consistent on both MSDS sheets.

And check out the blatant lies they are spreading in their Recycle Bank "earn and learn" quiz. Seriously, come on Pampers!! I understand Recycle Bank wants/needs their money and support but as a "green" organization they should not allow this. (Pampers a serious question on social responsibility)



Oh and on a side-note- Have you seen Pampers new "prints collection" Anyone know why they are hanging on a clothesline???? Not too smart since there have been reports of low-income families REUSING disposable diapers. 

Pampers response to cost analysis study.

I recently also wrote Pampers asking to see a copy of the cost analysis study that they did on cloth vs. disposables. In their FAQ page they quote a study saying this:

Are disposable diapers more expensive than cloth diapers?
Disposable diapers provide great value for consumers, and are not necessarily more expensive than using cloth diapers. A cost comparison shows Pampers diapers total expenditure for consumers range at the low end of the cheapest home-laundered cloth diapers, and cost roughly half the price of a cloth diaper wash service.

I simply asked for a link to or copy of the cost comparison study they are referring to. This is their response.


Hello Tara,


Thanks for contacting Pampers.


We appreciate your sharing your comments on the topic of cloth versus disposable diapers. We believe this choice is an individual decision – we merely wish to provide the information we have to date on the environmental impact of our products. We realize more information needs to be added, and we’re in the process of updating our website.


Thanks again for your feedback. I'll be sure to share it with the rest of the Pampers Team.


Heather
Pampers Team


Again, the impression is they are hiding something or the study is so off-base they are scared to show it.  If their study was legit they would be passing it out for free to everyone. I hate it that companies can get by spouting off any facts they choose without having to cough up any facts to back it up.

Pampers...bending the truth.

I was looking over the Pampers website just to see if they addressed the cloth vs. disposable issue. They do! Check out their FAQ page and see what they are telling consumers. 

Pampers FAQ page

Why this is bogus. The environmental impact study that they say showed no difference between cloth vs. disposables actually did cite a difference IN FAVOR OF CLOTH! Not to mention they left out some very important issues in the study. Check this out! 

Flawed impact study!

I also like how they add in some "cost comparison" study (surely done by them) shows that Pampers are right on par with cloth costs! 

I know personally I have saved a bunch of money by switching to cloth! My water bill has increased by only about $6 a month since I started washing my diapers. I spent approx. $250 on diapers (for both my babies who are in diapers at the same time). I have already saved money and I have another at least half year for my son in diapers and another two years for my daughter! I would like to see the math from that cost comparison study!

Another reason to cloth diaper- as if you needed another :)

Pampers Prices Increase!

Pampers as well as some of their other household goods will be increasing. One reason I am really happy I cloth diaper my babies. And another good reason you should start if you haven't already!