Bordered by Boys

Hello everyone!

I went on the computer today to do a little research about diapers and the different brands for a friend and i learned alot. u gotta read everything here- its amazing to learn all these facts. Once i started the research, i couldn't stop! i was on the comp for actually over 3 hours reading. also- if you have any other knowledge concerning anything related here....feel free to add any facts!!!!

When i looked up all the blogs and forums and sites about huggies, pampers, luvs, seventh generation, etc........- the only ones listed as toxic free was seventh generation, tushies, tender care-earths best and mother nature brand. When i really think about those two words...toxic free.....I'm not sure why anyone would want a toxic anything in their home, on them, or on their baby. well, that's why we research!!!! =)

Ok, so here's the low down:

There are alternative diaper brands that have recently gained popularity by the environmentally conscious. These diapers are chlorine free. They are also non-toxic and not irritating to a baby's skin. Not only are these chlorine free diapers less harmful to the environment, but they are also gentler to a baby's sensitive skin, they are hypo-allergenic, fragrance free and latex free. and they are very easy to find!! =)

I have tried all but mother nature, and I like Seventh Generation and Tushies the best. ( they have no leaks and just a bit better quality than the rest. also, Tushies brand does not use SAP in their diapers, they use cotton- so even better.) And because they all so willingly list all their ingredients on their websites, I researched each one. And, because they listed that they were free of certain toxins, I wanted to research each toxin also and see why these chlorine free diapers do not use them....

So here is what i found out about these 4 toxins:

1. Sodium Polyacrylate Gel: Why is it Dangerous?
This super absorbent material is the toxic polymer and chemical gel that absorbs moisture in throwaway diapers.

This chemical was removed by the FDA from tampons because of its link to toxic shock syndrome. The FDA has not studied its impact against the skin of babies, in spite of the fact that babies wear diapers with this gel 24 hours a day. (wow!!!!) One of the most dangerous aspects of this chemical is that the dangers to babies are not ‘known’, due to lack of studies by our federal watchdog agencies like the FDA. (side note: I don't like the FDA- i think they are extremely money driven, not health driven- and that's been proven many times over.)

SAP can cause allergic reactions, and is lethal to cats if inhaled. Death has occurred from ingestion of just 5 grams of this chemical.

Pediatric journals contain reports of this chemical sticking to babies’ genitals. When the baby’s skin gets wet, this super absorber can pull natural moisture from the top layer of baby’s skin.

In 1987, the Sunday Democrat and Chronicle published news about the new Pampers Ultra. The new gel they used caused severe skin irritations, oozing blood from perineum and scrotal tissues, fever, vomiting, and staph infections in babies. Employees in Pampers factories suffered from tiredness, female organ problems, slow-healing wounds and weight loss.

2. latex: why is it dangerous?
The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) received more than 1000 reports of adverse health effects from exposure to latex (in just 4 years), including 15 deaths due to such exposure. Skin rash is the most common reaction, affecting regular wearers of a latex product.

3. Chlorine: Why is it Dangerous?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found dioxin (a toxic byproduct of chlorine) to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen (a substance capable of causing cancer in living tissue) than DDT. (DDT is a chemical that has been banned in many countries because of it's very high toxicity level) Through special enzymes, our bodies are able to rid themselves of many environmental toxic substances that we come into contact with daily. However, dioxins (A toxic byproduct of chlorine) aren't included. Even if we are exposed to very low levels, dioxins remain in the body and accumulate.
The EPA is now saying that this is soon to become a major health risk problem. The cumulative effects of dioxin in humans have been linked to birth defects, cancer, reproductive disorders and immune system breakdown. *Some more info to better understand: Most paper is made from wood pulp that has been bleached with chlorine. However, 10% of chlorine used ends up combining itself with organic molecules naturally present in the wood to create a series of compounds known collectively as Organochlorines, a family of chemicals that includes some of the most hazardous materials known.

Organochlorines, like dioxins. are extremely long-lived, highly efficient travelers that have spread throughout the global environment. Every human being on the planet now carries organochlorines in his or her body. Scientists are concerned about these chemicals because they believe that when organochlorine molecules enter the body, they mimic hormones, the natural substances we produce in minute quantities to regulate our bodies' many functions. Because organochlorine molecules are shaped like hormone molecules, they can slip into cells in place of our hormones and cause terrible effects. These may include lower IQ, reduced fertility, genital deformities, breast cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, dramatic reductions in human sperm counts, and abnormalities within the immune system through a process called endocrine disruption.

Research has now begun to conclusively link dioxin and organochlorine exposure to birth defects, cancer, and reproductive and developmental disorders. Many scientists believe that the recent reports of declining sperm counts among men in industrialized countries can be traced to organochlorines.

Chlorine Facts

Dioxin, a chemical byproduct of the manufacturing of chlorinebleached paper, is believed to be the single most carcinogenic chemical known to science.

When you open the door of your dishwasher after washing, toxic volatized chlorine from dish detergent and tap water is released into the air.

Thanks to chlorine pollution, Americans ingest a daily amount of dioxin that is already 300 to 600 times greater than the EPA's so-called "safe" dose.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found dioxin to be 300,000 times more potent as a carcinogen than DDT.

Dioxin has been linked to endometriosis, immune system impairment, diabetes, neurotoxicity, birth defects, decreased fertility, and reproductive dysfunction in both women and men.

Studies show that 40-70 percent of the dioxin in bleached coffee filters can leach into your coffee; dioxin found in paper milk cartons also leaches into the milk you drink.

Cancer-causing chemicals like chlorine found in many household products such as coffee filters, disposable diapers, paper towels, and bathroom tissue are readily absorbed through the skin.

4. Fragrance: Why is Chemical Fragrance Dangerous?

Infant’s exposure to chemicals through inhalation and skin absorption is a major cause of skin rash and other aliments.

95% of chemicals used in fragrances are synthetic compounds derived from petroleum. They include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxics (that are much too long and hard to write in) and sensitizers - capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions, headaches, asthma and sinusitis.

Central Nervous System disorders (brain and spine) include Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.

An FDA analysis (1968-1972) of 138 compounds used in cosmetics that most frequently involved adverse reactions, identified five chemicals (alpha-terpineol, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, limonene and linalool) that are among the 20 most commonly used in the 31 fragrance products tested by the EPA.

Pampers Brand and Huggies brand:

Studies show levels of TBT in pampers and huggies. (yikes)

Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack said: "The reaction of Procter & Gamble is a scandal. The company is downplaying the danger instead of actively searching for the source of TBT in Pampers. It is absolutely irresponsible to expose babies to these extremely toxic substances".

"Fact is that TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made, and it is being spread through the environment. It can be absorbed through the skin and contaminates the environment as well as people," he noted.

This environmental pollutant, which has been in the headlines for months because of its extremely high toxicity, has a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm people's immune systems and impair their hormonal system. Tributyltin (TBT) has also been linked to obesity in humans, as it triggers genes that cause the growth of fat cells.

Plus, both use chlorine in their diaper making process, and latex and chemical fragrances.

Research and always be in the "know" about things that effect you and your family! thanks for reading my long letter!!!! =)
love, michelle
Let's all get healthier!