The study by Toxics Link, What’s in the Diaper: Presence of Phthalates in Baby Diapers, has found phthalates ranging from 2.36ppm to 302.25ppm in these products collected from local markets and e-commerce sites. For the study, 20 samples from 19 brands were analysed in an NABL-accredited laboratory.
“DEHP, the most toxic phthalate, is restricted or banned in several children products but was found between 2.36ppm and 264.94ppm in the tested samples,” said Alka Dubey, programme coordinator at Toxics Link.
Satish Sinha, its associate director, said, “Phthalates are non-covalently bound to polymers used in diapers and are easily released from the products. As a diaper is in direct contact with external genitals of infants and toddlers for several months to years, there are chances of phthalates entering their bodies through dermal absorption. This can cause adverse health impacts on the children.”
Phthalates disrupt the endocrine system and can be the cause for multiple ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and reproductive disorders, said Sinha. “Scientific studies confirm dermal absorption of phthalates from diapers. Besides, the chemical can leach out in the municipal waste stream and pose serious challenges for environment.”
Urging immediate steps to phase out phthalates from diapers, the study said the government needed to come up with stringent measures for packaging and labelling of the products as the tested samples did not mention ingredients and chemicals on the packets.
“This is a first-of-its-kind study in the country. India has set standards for five common phthalates — DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIDP, DNOP and DINP — in various child products. However, there is no such regulation in place for baby diapers in our country,” said Piyush Mohapatra, senior programme coordinator at Toxics Link.
The Link Lonk
September 29, 2020 at 02:28AM
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Toxic chemicals in baby diapers a huge risk: Study - Times of India
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