acozyfuture.com – Chlorine is frequently used in the bleaching process to whiten the absorbent pulp or pulp fibres used in disposable diapers. This treatment gives the fibres a clean, bright appearance and ensures they look fluffy and visually appealing.
Why Is Chlorine in Diapers a Concern?
Dioxin Exposures
Dioxins, a group of chemicals containing chlorine, are unintentionally produced as byproducts of combustion, incineration, and various industrial processes, including metal production [1].
The use of chlorine in diaper manufacturing leads to the creation of toxic residues, posing risks to your child's health, your own well-being, and the environment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), prolonged exposure to dioxins can result in adverse effects on children's reproductive and immune systems, liver function alteration, hormone disruption, and an increased cancer risk [2].
In present times, people primarily encounter dioxins through their diet, notably from animal products contaminated with these chemicals. Dioxins, which accumulate in fatty tissue [3], making them persistently challenging to expel from the body, lingering for 7-11 years post-exposure [4].
As highlighted by the World Health Organization, more than 90% of human exposure stems from consuming food, with meat, dairy products, fish, and shellfish serving as the principal sources [2]. Sadly, dioxins can even infiltrate certain brands of baby food, bath products, and other everyday items, underscoring the pervasive nature of this environmental concern.
Nevertheless, you can greatly reduce your baby's exposure to dioxins by choosing diapers, like those from Cozycove, that are entirely chlorine-free. Additionally, taking steps in other parts of your life can help lower the risk.
Increased Risk of Baby Allergic Reaction
Diapers that use chlorine can potentially cause long-term health effects and have a higher chance of causing allergic reactions compared to chlorine-free diapers. The most common allergic reaction to a diaper that is not chlorine-free is an uncomfortable rash that might worsen with continued exposure to such diapers.
Negative Environmental Impacts
Disposable diapers not only pose a threat to infants' health but can also have adverse effects on the environment when manufactured with chlorine. When chlorine is used to bleach diapers and refine pulp, it often seeps into nearby water sources, where it combines with minerals and other substances to form harmful toxins [6].
These toxins have the potential to induce mutations and infertility in wildlife, potentially hastening the decline of certain species [5]. Furthermore, they can seep into the soil, contaminating food supplies for both animals and humans.
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Moreover, the atmosphere is impacted by emissions from factories using chlorine bleach, leading to the release of toxins that contribute to ozone depletion and respiratory discomfort for those exposed to the polluted air. Concerns about the potential repercussions of chlorine use in diaper production and other household items have prompted several nations to either ban chlorine bleach processing or impose strict limitations on its usage [6].
This is especially pertinent to diapers, given that infants typically go through 2,200 to 3,000 diapers in their first year alone, resulting in substantial exposure that could be easily prevented.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the widespread use of chlorine in diaper manufacturing poses significant health and environmental concerns. Dioxins, byproducts of this process, can have long-lasting effects on children's health and persist in the environment.
Opting for chlorine-free alternatives like Cozycove diapers offers a proactive solution to mitigate these risks. By choosing chlorine free products, parents can protect their child's health and contribute to environmental preservation. Making informed choices about the products we use is crucial for safeguarding both current and future generations.
References:
[1] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Dioxins. https://www.epa.gov/trinationalanalysis/dioxins
[2] World Health Organization. (2023). Dioxin. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dioxins-and-their-effects-on-human-health
[3] National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. (n.d.). Dioxins. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/dioxins
[4] Parveen, N., Chowdhury, S., & Goel, S. (2022). Environmental impacts of the widespread use of chlorine-based disinfectants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Environmental science and pollution research international, 29(57), 85742–85760. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-021-18316-2
[5] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (1999). Fact Sheet: Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED): Chlorine Gas. Prevention, Pesticides And Toxic Substances. EPA-738-F-99-001. https://nepis.epa.gov/Exe/ZyPURL.cgi?Dockey=200006K1.TXT