| Diapers are undoubtedly an integral part of a baby's | | | | by some doctors and medical professionals the toxic |
| growing up years and disposable diapers are largely | | | | gas emanating from a used disposable diaper may |
| preferred by working parents for their convenience. | | | | lead to asthma. The absorbent pads within the diapers |
| Invented by Marion Donovan of the US, disposable | | | | contain a chemical solution(present as gel) known as |
| diapers are a very expensive baby accessory. | | | | sodium polyacrylate. This controls the fluid within the |
| However, they are chosen by parents who are largely | | | | diaper, preventing leakage. However, this is the |
| pressed for time. | | | | chemical that is solely responsible for diaper rashes. |
| When disposable diapers were first introduced in the | | | | In spite of such obvious drawbacks, disposable diaper |
| mid 1950s, they were primarily plastic diapers with | | | | manufacturers claim that their products have been |
| plenty of fluff. However, the present breed of | | | | repeatedly tested and proved safe. Big production |
| disposables have come a long way. All of them are | | | | companies also claim to have employed quality-control |
| available with water-resistant covers, absorbent pads | | | | experts to look for manufacturing defects. Such |
| and dry-weave sheets to make the baby feel as dry | | | | repeated assurances from manufacturers have led |
| and comfortable as possible. There are no attachment | | | | many parents to switch to disposable diapers from |
| diaper pins needed, since most of these diapers come | | | | cloth ones that are usually considered to be a healthier |
| with excellent leak-proof Velcro attachments. | | | | option. |
| Disposable diapers, in spite of their easy-to-use factor, | | | | However, the fact remains that most disposable |
| bring along with them a host of health problems for the | | | | diapers occupy huge portions of land(once they are |
| baby. The most common problem is diaper rash. Due | | | | disposed) in a world that is becoming increasingly short |
| to repeated urination and lack of proper air circulation, | | | | of space. There are also a number of air borne and |
| babies often develop rashes that can be extremely | | | | water borne diseases that might arise out of such |
| painful. Some health experts are of the opinion that | | | | garbage. Human diapers may even prove to be fatal |
| dyes used in disposable diapers may lead to | | | | for animals if the toxic gas is inhaled. The disposed of |
| permanent damage to the baby's liver as well as the | | | | diapers may even affect plant life and may go on to |
| central nervous system. There are even stray reports | | | | have a detrimental effect on our environment. |