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Determination of Selected Harmful Substances in Baby Diapers Available on the South African Market
Pardon Nyamukamba1, Zethu Mququ1, Sandile Nkosi1
1Technology Station Clothing and Textiles, Symphony Way, Bellville, Cape Town 7535, South Africa.
Insights
Diaper rash may be linked to high formaldehyde and alkaline pH levels in baby diapers. Some diapers exceeded recommended limits for these substances, potentially causing skin irritation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Dermatology
- Consumer Product Safety
Background:
- Diaper rash is a common infant issue, often linked to allergic contact dermatitis.
- Potential culprits include heavy metals, pH, formaldehyde, and allergens within diapers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine formaldehyde, heavy metal, and pH levels in diapers from various retail tiers.
- To assess compliance with Oeko-Tex standards for consumer safety.
Main Methods:
- Heavy metal analysis using Inductively Coupled Plasma after extraction with artificial urine and sweat.
- Quantification of formaldehyde concentrations.
- Measurement of diaper pH levels.
Main Results:
- All tested heavy metals were detected, except Strontium in one sample.
- Nickel levels in two diaper samples exceeded Oeko-Tex limits.
- 50% of diapers had formaldehyde levels above recommended limits.
- Most diapers exhibited alkaline pH, with only a few meeting recommended ranges.
Conclusions:
- High formaldehyde and alkaline pH in diapers may contribute to infant diaper rash.
- Consumer product safety standards for diapers require further attention regarding chemical and pH levels.
Abstract:
Baby diaper rash is a common problem, especially allergic contact dermatitis, which could be due to heavy metals, pH, formaldehyde, or allergens in the diapers. This study reports on the determination of formaldehyde, heavy metals (Pb, As, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn, Sr, Fe, and Cd), and pH in diapers purchased from low-, medium-, and high-end stores. Inductively coupled plasma was used to determine the concentrations of heavy metals after extraction using artificial urine and artificial sweat. All heavy metals were found in all diapers except Sr, which was not found in sample M7. All samples had concentrations of heavy metals within the Oeko-Tex limits, except samples H2 and L2, whose Ni concentrations were above permissible limits. Fifty percent of diapers had a formaldehyde concentration above the Oeko-Tex recommended limits. The highest formaldehyde concentration of 17.62 mg/kg was found in diaper M2 and the lowest (ca. 10.4 mg/kg) in H1. All samples had pH values in the alkaline region, with only five samples having pH values within the recommended limits. The research concluded that the diaper rash experienced by some babies, among other factors, could be due to high alkaline skin pH and formaldehyde levels, which are higher than the Oeko-Tex recommended limits.
