This is one of those things that I didn’t know about until half-way into our cloth diapering excepades. I think it is one of the least known why to do cloth-factor. You expect it to be less wasteful and less expensive, that just makes sense, but it also cuts down rashes and has many health benefits when compared to disposables.

I really discovered all this information when I started looking into mama pads. If cloth was so wonderful for the babes, I was very curious as to the benefits for myself. While I will leave mama-pad information for another post, I will say I was absolutely floored when I read the studies on the chemicals used in pads and tampons and how they can increase cramps, blood flow and endometriosis. After reading half a dozen of those articles you can imagine my shock. I never wanted to use another disposable pad/tampon again and if I didn’t want those chemicals around me, what were they doing to babies?

The following is from the National Association for Diaper Servies:

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.

The site also has the text from the original article from Issue 98 of Mothering.

While it shouldn’t be far fetched to connect bronchial issues to the chemicals used in disposables (or chemicals used in any type object), it’s just not what we are raised to think about. In a society that craves convenience, what is the true price we are paying? I say it often but I will say it again, cloth diapers are no more work than disposables.

Furthermore, disposables have also been linked to infertility in males. You can view the original study here (after a free registration to the site). I won’t go into the details (you can find them in brief here), I’ll just say it has to due with heat and private parts.

Finally, let’s talk about chemicals used in disposables. The Diaper Drama has a great article on it and breaks it down better than I could even try.  

Bottom line, disposables are not as safe as you would think they ought to be.