Disposables vs Reusable Cloth Nappies
What's in a Disposable Nappy!
As the genital region of a baby is one of the most sensitive areas of the body closely connected to the reproductive organs, it is of little surprise that more and more parents are starting to question the unregulated use of chemicals in disposable nappies.
Most disposable nappies contain artificial chemical absorbents such as sodium polyacrylate. These chemical granules are used to increase absorbency. This gel sometimes ends up on a baby's skin. There are also chemical additives contained within the plastic and perfumes.
A number of international studies have emerged expressing concern regarding the possible long-term health issues connected with the use of disposable nappies.
Recent findings
- Endocrine (hormone) disrupters contained within the absorbency gels in leading brands of disposable diaper's were detected in a scientific analysis in the United Kingdom performed for the Women's Environmental Network.
- A recent German study questioned the link between disposable diaper use and increased male infertility, due to disposable diaper's inability to keep the scrotum and testicles cool and suggested further research be conducted.
- The Archives of Environmental Health published a study by Dr Rosalind C. Anderson. This research linked asthma with disposable diaper chemical emissions and suggested asthmatic mothers and babies avoid exposure to such emissions.
Throw Away is not Go Away
Compared with reusables, disposables use:
- 3.5 times more energy
- 20 times more raw material
- Twice the amount of water in manufacturing
- And generate 60 times more non-biodegradable bacteria-laden waste
(Includes the impact of home washing!)*
Source: *Women's Environmental Network, UK and Canadian Government research, Landbank/Marbek Critiques
What about 'biodegradable' nappies?
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a 'biodegradable' nappy in a metropolitan waste system. Landfills are anaerobic environments lacking the water, air, and light needed for organic material to breakdown. Any 'biodegradable' nappies that you dispose of with your household waste won't be able to biodegrade.
If you do choose to use 'biodegradable' nappies consider how you are going to dispose of them - separate composting system - and be sure to check out whether they contain toxic absorbency gels - simply tear a nappy open and check for the gel crystals. If a 'biodegradable' nappy contains these gels, they won't be able to be composted, as the gels will kill the worms so vital to the composting process.
