Dioxins in disposable diapers manufactured with a chlorinated bleaching process are concerning parents and researchers alike. Chlorinated compounds that give us paper products that are whiter than white can break down into toxic materials. These materials irritate skin, pollute the environment, and can raise a number of concerns for health issues such as cancer and immune system depression.
Disposable diapers fall into the ranks of bleached paper products manufactured with chlorinated wood pulp. Dioxins have shown to accumulate easily in the human body, being stored in fatty tissues. Trace amounts of dioxins have been found in paper products that we use every day, including the disposable diapers we swaddle children in for years. Alternatives such as cloth and chlorine-free diapers do exist, though cloth diapers certainly don't win many points in ease of use and cleaning.
Chlorine-free diapers, though, offer a handy product that is safer for use and kinder to sensitive baby skin. Chlorine-free diapers don't contain the dioxins so dangerous to our health. Also, the lack of dioxins means that, when disposed of, chlorine-free diapers are safer for the environment. It is important to remember that any dangerous chemicals stored in landfill can potentially leach into water supplies. There are so many disposable diapers in landfill now, that the potential risk of dioxins finding their way to into ground water cannot be ignored.
Truthfully, there is a lack of study on single-use disposable diapers and the dioxin connection. How much of the chemical is transferred during diaper use remains to be determined with solid backup. However, the concern is certainly present, as dioxins have shown to transfer through contact with skin. Until common disposable diapers have been proven safe for use and free of skin irritants, parents should opt for a safer choice. Chlorine-free diapers provide a good alternative that is safe for use and better for the environment than traditional disposable diapers that use chlorination in the bleaching process.
