- Disposable nappies contain paper pulp, plastic, absorbent gels, chemical additives, and perfumes. All these materials impact the health of your child as well as the environment.
- The absorbing gel in nappies (sodium polyacrylate) has not been tested for long-term effects on reproductive organs from 24-hour exposure. This chemical has been banned in the use of tampons because of a link to toxic shock syndrome.
- Studies at the University of Kiel in Germany have raised concerns about the rise in male infertility, which they link to the use of disposable nappies. Disposable nappies have been found to maintain testicles at higher temperatures, a potential cause of lower sperm counts.
- There is a misconception that disposables reduce nappy rash. In fact, research studies at Bristol University, Britain, indicate that the type of nappy has no bearing on nappy rash. Frequency of change and length of exposure to ammonia in urine especially when mixed with feces are the factors affecting nappy rash. Any nappy left on for too long will result in irritation to baby's delicate skin.
- Disposal of human feces along with household rubbish has been found to contain over 100 different viruses such as polio from vaccinated babies, which can survive for about 2 weeks and possibly contaminate groundwater supplies.
- Nappy waste from hospitals etc. is usually incinerated. This is an expensive process, which carries health risks as toxic substances (such as dioxins) are released in air emissions and ash.
- Allergies to the chemicals used in disposables have been identified in some babies. Using natural cloth nappies alleviates some of the symptoms.
