There are many concerns about the use of disposable nappies in addition to increasing scrotal temperature that may impact on future fertility and general health. The disposable nappy consists of a plastic outer layer, a layer of superabsorbent chemicals and inner liner. Nappies are not subject to government controls or independent testing and disposable nappy manufacturers do not need to disclose the contents.2 3
Recently, concern has been raised about the presence of Tributyl Tin (TBT) in disposable nappies. Greenpeace and Women's Environmental Network have commissioned research which showed that there were significant levels of TBT in many brands of disposable nappy, including those on sale in the UK.4 5 Babies may be in contact with up to 3.6 times the WHO's estimated tolerable daily intake. TBT is an environmental pollutant which is used in anti-fouling ship paint. It is known to disrupt the endocrine and immune function of marine shellfish and there are international plans to phase out its use.
The superabsorbent chemicals used include sodium polyacrylate crystals which form a gel in contact with urine. This gel can be seen on the skin in contact with it and there are particular concerns about this entering the body through broken skin in the nappy area. Sodium polyacrylate, along with other chemical constituents that increase absorbency, has been removed from tampons as it was associated with the development of Toxic Shock Syndrome.6 The inner liner has previously been shown to contain nonylphenyl ethoxylate, which acts as an oestrogen mimic, and dioxins.3
In addition, the use of disposable nappies has important environmental consequences which may impact on child health. Manufacture of disposable nappies uses 3.5 times more energy, 8 times as many non-renewable resources, and 90 times as many renewable resources when compared with washable nappies. The description of such nappies as "disposable" is misleading. In this country, nappies make up approximately 4% of household waste (800 000 tonnes per year) and every disposable nappy and its contents ever used is still present in a landfill site.2
We should be aware of the issues raised by the use of disposable nappies, the alternatives that exist, and sources of information and support for parents who are concerned about ensuring a safe and sustainable future for their children.
Source:
C HEAL, C COOPER
Consultant Paediatricians, Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan Lane, Wigan WW1 2NN, UK
References
| 1.
| Partsch C-J, Aukamp, Sippell WG. Scrotal temperature is increased in disposable plastic lined nappies. Arch Dis Child 2000;83:364-368[Abstract/Free Full Text]. |
| 2.
| Link A. Preventing Nappy Waste. London: Women's Environmental Network, 1996. |
| 3.
| Sustainable Wales. Dumping the Diaper! Reusable Nappy Report. |
| 4.
| Greenpeace. Greenpeace calls on parents to return contaminated nappies to producers: new tests show that TBT-free nappies are a rarity. Press Release 19th May 2000 www.greenpeace.org. |
| 5.
| Women's Environmental Network. Press Release 300700. 30th July 2000 www.realnappy.com. |
| 6.
| Reingold AL. Toxic shock syndrome: an update. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1991;165:1236-1239[Medline]. |
| 7.
| Philipp R, Hughes A, Golding J. Getting to the bottom of nappy rash. ALSPAC Survey Team. Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood. Br J Gen Pract 1997;47:493-497[Medline]. |
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