Safety of Disposable Diaper Materials: Extensive Evaluations Validate Use

Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2014 Aug;53(9 suppl):17S-19S. doi: 10.1177/0009922814540378. Epub 2014 Jun 24.

Abstract

Disposable diapers are primarily composed of polymers, such as cellulose, polypropylene, polyester, and polyethylene, which are biologically inert and not bioavailable. They are used in clothes, fabrics, personal hygiene products, and other materials that are commonly in contact with the skin. Each component used throughout the production process must undergo rigorous safety evaluations and assessments and are proven to be well tolerated and safe for their intended uses. No materials are incorporated into a diaper until their safety is confirmed through robust assessments, and additional factors are integrated into the process to compensate for the uncertainty associated with extrapolating toxicity data. After a thorough assessment of the materials and final product, extensive skin compatibility evaluations are conducted as appropriate. This rigorous safety process provides reassurance that consumers can rely on the safety of these diapers.

Keywords: allergies; diaper ingredients; diaper materials; diaper safety; skin irritation; superabsorbent polymers.