Something that many of us had in common despite where we are from, background, color of our skin etc. is that we wore diapers when we were younger. We all know someone who has kids who wear them. We have been taught that babies need them and we will probably use them on our children as well. However, there are many harmful effects of babies wearing disposable diapers.
From my research I have found that diapers are laced with dioxins because they many diapers are bleached with chlorine. The World Health Organization has stated that dioxins can cause developmental delays, damage immunity, hormone interference, and certain cancers. Another disapproval of diapers is that they release volatile organic compounds or VOCs into the atmosphere which harmfully effects the atmosphere as well as cause neurological problems, eye irritation, and reduces immunity. Moreover, diapers receive disapproval because it contains sodium polyacrylate or SAP. SAP was once used in tampons, but was removed for causing Toxic Shock Syndrome, yet it is still used in babies’ diapers. SAP is also known for causing skin irritation and staph infections. Diapers not only have a negative effect with babies, but it also has a negative effect on the environment. Disposable diapers does not break down for approximately 500 years. Thus, landfills are filled with disposable diapers far older than the oldest person on earth. And that also means that all those diapers you had when you were younger didn’t disappear; in fact, they are still here and will continue to be once your baby is in diapers and their baby in diapers and at least three more generations of diapers will have passed before your diapers will decompose.
However, some people is for the use of disposal diapers. Their argument is that they have absorbent gels which can engross large amounts of liquid without becoming soaked. As a result, babies feel less discomforted for a longer amount of time once their diaper is wet. Another argument made is that disposable diapers attracts the liquid into the gelled layer which keeps the liquid away from babies’ skin. Consequently, babies’ skin are less subjected to contact with urine and stool. Also, some diapers are more breathable by letting more air to the babies’ skin. Additionally, some contain a skin protector ointment barrier for the babies’ skin.
In conclusion, I believe that other alternatives should be taken into consideration because of the fact that it take so long for disposable diapers to break down. However, the benefits for protecting the babies’ skin in great. The use of cloth diapers can be a good alternative to disposable diapers and more cost effective as well.
