Diapers & Wipes

Phthalates are a family of chemicals used as plasticizers (to make plastic flexible) and as fixatives in fragrances. In diapers, they can be found in the plastic backsheet, adhesives, and any added fragrance. The most common phthalate in fragrance products is diethyl phthalate (DEP), which the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) classifies as toxic.

Phthalates are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with hormone signaling in the body. Research has linked exposure to obesity, hyperactivity, and reproductive developmental issues. They are of particular concern for infant boys, as they can interfere with testosterone production during a critical developmental window.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of manufactured chemicals used to create water, oil, and stain resistance. They are nicknamed 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down in the environment or in the human body, and they accumulate over time.

Health concerns linked to PFAS include reduced immune system function, developmental delays, certain cancers, reduced fertility, and endocrine disruption. Former National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences director Dr. Linda Birnbaum has stated publicly that PFAS exposure in infants is "not the type of chemical class that we can ignore."

VOCs are organic chemicals that easily evaporate at room temperature, turning into gases that can be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. A peer-reviewed 2023 study in Environmental Science & Technology analyzed 31 disposable hygiene products and found toxic VOCs in all of them at trace levels.

The study found that baby diapers contained several known or suspected carcinogens, including benzene and 1,4-dioxane. Other VOCs detected included toluene and xylene (both reproductive toxicants), styrene (linked to respiratory and nervous system harm), and n-heptane (a skin irritant). Critically, the study also found that products labeled 'organic' or 'for sensitive skin' did not necessarily have lower VOC levels, highlighting the importance of third-party certification over marketing language.

Dioxins and furans are toxic chemical compounds that form as unintended byproducts during chlorine bleaching of wood pulp. Prior to the 1990s, nearly all diaper pulp was bleached with elemental chlorine, a process that created significant dioxin contamination.

Today, two main bleaching methods are used. ECF (Elemental Chlorine-Free) uses chlorine dioxide, significantly reducing but not eliminating dioxin formation. TCF (Totally Chlorine-Free) uses oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, or ozone, with no chlorine compounds at all. Major brands like Pampers and Huggies use ECF. TCF is more common in premium eco-friendly brands. Current ECF dioxin levels are extremely low, but the concern is cumulative exposure across thousands of diapers.

Sodium polyacrylate is the super-absorbent polymer responsible for the diaper's ability to hold liquid. The gel crystals occasionally visible on infant skin after a change: that is SAP. In its fully polymerized form, SAP is biologically inert and does not readily penetrate skin. However, concerns arise around residual monomers (acrylic acid and acrylamide) from the manufacturing process.

The EWG recommends choosing brands that test their SAP for contaminant levels. SAP sourced from manufacturers in Germany and Japan (such as Sumitomo Seika Chemicals) is generally considered higher quality due to stricter regulatory environments.

Organotin compounds, including tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), and monobutyltin (MBT), can be found in some disposable diapers, used as antifungal agents in wood pulp mills and as stabilizers in plastic manufacturing. These chemicals are neurotoxic, endocrine-disrupting, and have been shown to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity. They are also highly toxic to aquatic ecosystems.

Regulatory attention on organotins in diapers has grown in recent years, particularly in Europe. Some transparent brands explicitly state that their products are organotin-free.

'Fragrance' on any product label is an umbrella term that can legally cover hundreds of individual chemicals, including solvents, stabilizers, preservatives, UV absorbers, and phthalates. A single fragrance ingredient like limonene (a citrus scent) can react with ozone in indoor air to form formaldehyde as a secondary pollutant.

Dyes used for decorative prints have been specifically linked to allergic contact dermatitis in infants. Lotions added to soften the topsheet, such as petroleum jelly-derived mineral oil, can harbor trace contaminants from the refining process. The EWG recommends fragrance-free diapers, and advises caution even with products labeled 'unscented,' as these may use masking fragrances.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that can be found at trace levels in some diaper materials, particularly in textiles treated with certain finishes or adhesives. It can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. Pampers explicitly states that its diapers do not use formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification requires formaldehyde to remain below 0.1 mg/kg for baby products (effectively undetectable), which makes this a useful certification to look for.