About Diapers
Marion O'Brian Donovan is credited with the invention of the first disposable diaper. Thanks to her creative prototype that was made from a shower curtain, disposable diapers have become a favorite for those who are opposed to the maintenance and laundering of cloth diapers. But environmental concerns have begun to change the way Americans view disposable diapers. The great diaper debate has become a hot topic, and the jury is still out as to whether landfills full of diapers cause more harm to the environment than the water that is wasted laundering the cloth types. All in all, there seems to be no environmentally friendly way to diaper humans.
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Identification
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Although the textile design and makeup of diapers may vary, the purpose of a diaper remains constant. The absorption and collection of human waste, for sanitary reasons and personal comfort, are the premises on which the diaper was developed. But while the term diaper calls to mind images of infants and toddlers, today's diapers are designed with differing age groups in mind. Adults and children who are unable to control their bodily functions due to health reasons and disabilities, also find themselves dependent on the diaper industry.
Types
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Diapers are available in varying styles, sizes and materials. Most commonly the flat, white cotton diapers and the white disposable diapers are utilized. Cotton, reusable diapers are laundered and reused, while the disposables are designed for strictly one time use. Plastic liners are available for those who prefer to use cotton diapers, but require more absorbency. Diapers for older children and adults resemble underwear with a plastic, outer skin for increased absorbency and protection, although diapers with the traditional side tapes and extra absorbent gel or cellulose centers are also available.
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History
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The earliest diapers were known as "swaddling bands," which were commonly made of linen. These ancient swaddling bands were wrapped around the legs, then across the body, and tied together for security. The 19th century diapers were similarly designed, but the invention of the safety pin made securing the diaper more convenient. Cloth diapers were finally introduced in the 1900s, with the first diaper services popping up around 1940, which made diaper cleaning more efficient. The first disposable diapers came about in the 1950's, had an absorbent center and were secured with snaps. Disposable diapers continued to evolve throughout the coming years, finally resulting in the super absorbency types that are available today.
Considerations
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If you are using cloth diapers for your baby, you may want to consider a diaper service. Many diaper services will pick up your dirty diapers and replace them with a bag of clean ones, once a week. Diaper services also have different style cloth diapers available. Prices vary, and diaper services charge according to the amount of diapers that are recycled per week.
Warning
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Aside from the possible environmental threats concerning disposable diapers, there is the threat of chemical poisoning to the human body. Disposable diapers contain sodium polyacrylate, which is responsible for the absorbency factor in most manufactured diapers. This dangerous chemical is continuously in close contact with the skin, and can potentially cause allergic reactions and cardiovascular illnesses. Coincidentally, sodium polyacrylate is the same chemical that was removed from tampons, found to be a contributing factor in toxic shock syndrome.
Misconceptions
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Single use diapers may be disposable but that does not mean that they are thrown away and forgotten. As a matter of fact, it is estimated that 18 billion disposable diapers enter American landfills per year, posing dangerous health risks. Scientists are beginning to recognize the impending dangers that result from the disposing of urine-filled and fecal matter-filled diapers that do not decay in a timely matter because they are trapped between layers of plastic and cellulose material. Any human waste that does manage to escape the diaper over time, seeps into the ground and has the potential to spread disease and pollute nearby water supplies.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Jonae Fredericks
