Disposable nappy causes male infertility and testicular cancer

Posted: Sept 2006  (Return to the original web page from this print version)

Scientist at the University of Kiel in Germany conducted a study on the negative effects of disposal nappy (diaper) in 2000. They found that the plastic lining of disposal nappy increased the scrotal temperature of baby boys by 1 °C, or more if they had a fever.

This would have negative effects on testicular maturation and the formation of sperms in adulthood, leading to male infertility. High scrotal temperature may also facilitate the development of testicular cancer.

High scrotal temperatures are known to reduce sperm counts in adults. In the past 25 years, the average sperm count of European men has decreased by 25%. In addition, the male infertility rate has significantly increased during this period. In the UK alone, around 27,000 couples seek fertility treatment each year. The German scientists believed that the results of the above research could explain the male infertility phenomenon.

Research Details

The scientists tested the scrotal temperature of 48 baby boys over two 24-hour periods. Each of the babies wore either a disposable nappy with plastic lining or a reusable cotton nappy.

The disposable nappy was found to impair normal testicular cooling, leading to an increase in scrotal temperature of 1 degree. When they babies had a fever, the scrotal temperature of baby boys with disposable nappies would increase further.

The reusable cotton nappy had no effect on scrotal temperature. The cotton nappy leaks out wetness, while the disposable nappy creates a warm damp environment around the baby's bottom.

The results of the study were reported in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, published by the British Medical Journal. (news report in BBC)

Other Negative Effects of Disposable Nappy

1. Contain chemicals that may trigger asthma

A research was conducted in 1999 on the effects of chemical emissions of new disposable nappy taken right out of the package on laboratory mice. Scientists found that the mice suffered an increase in eye, nose and throat irritation, including broncho-constriction similar to that of an asthma attack.

Even in a mid-sized room, the gas emissions from one disposable nappy were high enough to produce asthma-like symptoms. It is highly advisable for asthmatic mothers and babies to avoid exposure to such emissions.

Solvents and other chemicals are added to disposable nappies to increase their absorbency and malleability. Chemical off-gassing is found not only in disposable nappies, but also in other baby products such as mattresses and waterproof mattress covers.

The report of this research, titled "Acute Respiratory Effects of Diaper Emissions", was published in the October 1999 issue of the Archives of Environmental Health.

2. Consume a lot of resources and create a huge amount of garbage in the landfills

An enormous amount of paper, cotton, plastics and chemicals etc. are used in the production of disposable nappies. It was estimated that 18 billion disposable nappies are dumped into landfills each year, taking as many as 500 years to decompose. They are the third largest source of solid waste in landfills, after newspapers and food and beverage containers. In addition, the plastics and chemicals in the disposable nappies pollute the soil, the ground water and the environment during decomposition.

3. Delay potty training by a year or more

Babies using reusable cotton nappies tend to toilet train more quickly because they know when they are wet. The January 12, 1999 issue of New York Times reported that 92% of children in 1957 were toilet trained by 18 months of age. In the May 4, 1993 issue of Wall Street Journal, it was mentioned that children currently wore diapers until they were 36 to 42 months old.