Are Disposable Diapers Safe?

The National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory analyzed toxin exposure through diapers and tampons. Their results were a little surprising: “Although dioxins are found in trace amounts in both cotton and pulp sanitary products, exposure to dioxins through tampons and diapers does not significantly contribute to dioxin exposures in the United States.” 1 Similarly, there is no evidence of harm caused by sodium polyacrylate crystals. 2

During a 2000 study in Germany, researchers discovered boys wearing disposable diapers had higher scrotal temperatures than boys wearing cloth diapers, raising a red flag about lower sperm counts. A 2002 study refuted the original evidence, though, and it was proved that temperatures were the same, regardless of disposable or cloth diapers. 3

Procter & Gamble made headlines in 2010 after the introduction of their Pampers with Dry Max diapers. Parents began complaining that the new diapers caused severe diaper rashes, chemical burns, blisters, welts, bleeding, peeling, cracking, and scarring – and that the symptoms disappeared once they switched to another brand of diapers. In response, Procter & Gamble defended their diapers and said the accusations were “completely false rumors fueled by social media.” 4

As more parents complained, Procter & Gamble stood by Pampers with Dry Max, calling them the brand’s “biggest innovation in 25 years.” 5 The diapers are 20 percent thinner because the typical paper pulp insert was replaced by an absorbent storage core, made by polyacrylate gel. The diapers also are made with polyethylene and polypropylene (neither are recognized carcinogens), and a lotion. Procter & Gamble states that 20 million pounds of trash would be reduced annually if all Pampers were switched to the Dry Max variety. 6

In May 2010, a group of seven parents filed a lawsuit against Procter & Gamble, which Procter &Gamble called “meritless.” 7 The Dry Max diapers remained on store shelves. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission began investigating almost 4,700 incident reports and by September 2010, the CPSC announced they could not find a link between the diapers and diaper rash. 8

Disposable diaper options
For parents who are concerned about the materials used in disposable diapers but still want a disposable choice, a host of healthy options are available:

1. “Exposure Assessment to Dioxins from the Use of Tampons and Diapers.” Mike Devito. Environmental Health Perspectives.

2. and 3. “Solving Your Diaper Dilemma.” Katherine Kam. Web MD.
4. “Pampers Calls Rumors Completely False.” May 6, 2010. Procter & Gamble.
5. “Pampers Dry Max Journey.” July 7, 2010. Procter & Gamble.
6. “Pampers Dry Max Explained: FAQs.” Procter & Gamble.
7. “P&G being sued over Pampers Dry Max Diapers.”  May 13, 2010. Reuters.
8. “Diaper Gripes Grow Louder for P&G.” Ellen Byron. Yahoo Finance. May 14, 2010.
“No Specific Cause Found Yet Linking Dry Max Diapers to Diaper Rash.” U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Sept. 2, 2010.

“Pampers Dry Max Explained: FAQs.” Procter & Gamble.