Disposable diapers will release VOCs (dipentene, ethylbenzene, toluene and xylene) with toxic and carcinogenic effects on health. Disposable diapers can also have an adverse effect on the respiratory system.
Healthy alternatives
Fragrance-free
| Brand name | Product description |
| Attitude | Biodegradable diapers, fragrance-free |
Reusable
| Brand name | Product description |
| The Ecobaby | Reusable diapers in organic cotton |
| The Royal Diaperer | Reusable diapers |
DIY
Do you have any cotton flannel? This material can easily be used to make diapers at home. You will find a tutorial here.
Avoid the following chemicals in regular products
Dyes: possible carcinogens, skin sensitizers, photosensitizers and mutagens
Dioxin: possible carcinogen (comes from the chlorine bleaching process)
Dipentene: irritating to the skin, eyes and the respiratory and digestive tracts, respiratory and skin sensitizer
Ethylbenzene: possible carcinogen (confirmed in animals), irritant to skin, eyes and respiratory tract
Perfumes: allergens
Plastics: may contain hydrocarbons, phthalates and bisphenol A which are endocrine disrupters
Sodium polyacrylate: irritating to the eyes
Toluene: neurotoxic, potentially toxic to development and the respiratory tract, irritating to the skin and eyes
Xylene: irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory tract, potentially toxic for development