What chemicals are used to make disposable diapers？

Disposable diapers have become a popular choice for many parents because of their convenience and ease of use. But have you ever thought about the chemicals used to make these diapers?

A key ingredient in disposable diapers is superabsorbent polymer (SAP), which is really good at soaking up wetness. SAP is made by mixing acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide, and it can hold up to 30 times its own weight in liquid. This helps keep babies dry.

Another important part of diapers is polypropylene, which is a kind of plastic. It's used for the outside layer of the diaper. Polypropylene is light, flexible, and strong, making it perfect for diapers.

Adhesives are also used to stick the different parts of the diaper together. Most of these adhesives come from synthetic materials like ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) or polyolefin hot-melt adhesives.

Some diapers have added fragrances to help get rid of bad smells, but these fragrances are usually made in a lab and can sometimes cause skin irritation. Not all diapers have these added fragrances.

Sometimes, during the process of making diapers, a substance called chlorine might be used to make the materials whiter. But chlorine can create harmful things called dioxins, which can cause health problems like cancer and issues with how a child develops. Luckily, many companies are now using safer ways to bleach their materials that don't use chlorine.

In short, disposable diapers are made with lots of different chemicals and materials. While they're really handy and easy to use, it's important to think about how they might affect your baby's health and the environment. Always check the labels and do your research when picking a diaper brand for your little one.