This article is from "Mothering Magazine" January & February 2000

                                     Disposable Diapers Linked to Asthma

HARSH PERFUMES AND CHEMICAL EMISSIONS HAVE LONG been known to induce asthma-like symptoms in children and adults.  Now, researchers have found that disposable diapers might be a trigger for asthma.

A study published in the October, 1999 issue of the Archives of Environmental Health found that laboratory mice exposed to various brands of disposable diapers suffered increased eye, nose, and throat irritation, including bronchoconstriction similar to that of an asthma attack.  Six leading cotton and disposable diaper brands were tested; Cloth diapers were not found to cause respiratory problems among the lab mice. 

Dr. Rosalind C. Anderson, lead author of the report, "Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions," explains that the diapers were tested right out of the package, and one at a time.  Even in a mid-sized room, the emissions from one diaper were high enough to produce asthma-like symptoms.

What chemicals were released from the disposable diapers?  Tolune, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene and isopropylbenzene, among others.  Dr. Anderson says these, like certain scents, are bronchial irritants.  "It's similar to when asthmatics smell perfume and all of a sudden their chests get tight."

 Anderson, Rosalind, and Julius Anderson. “Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions,” Archives of Environmental Health, 54, October 1999.