Are the Gel Balls in Diapers Harmful?

If you have ever wondered what gives a disposable diaper its super-absorbency, look no further than the gloppy collection of gel balls contained within its inner workings. This gelatinous material is actually a powerful hydrogel that has a wide array of uses. Aside from helping to keep your baby̵7;s bottom dry, this thirsty polymer also keeps soil moist in gardens and landscapes. Yes, it̵7;s amazing stuff, but the safety of the gel depends on a variety of factors.

  1. Sodium Polyacrylate

    • The gel balls that you see inside of a soggy, disposable diaper start-off in powdered form at the time of manufacture. This powder is a polymer known as sodium polyacrylate, capable of absorbing an average of 500 times its weight in water. According to Carnegie Mellon University, sodium polyacrylate is a non-toxic material, which utilizes the power of osmosis to soak-up liquids. Once the osmosis begins, the molecular chains that form the polymer connect with water molecules creating the gelatin-like balls.

    External Contact

    • In its powdered form, sodium polyacrylate is a known irritant. Out of the box, a dry disposable diaper contains sodium polyacrylate powder within the layers of cotton batting. If you were to rip open the diaper, inhaling the powder could potentially cause coughing and sneezing. Contact with skin can cause chapping, and if you get the powder in your eyes, redness and irritation may result. On-the-other-hand, when sodium polyacrylate takes on its gel form, it is safe to touch, according to the University of Minnesota.

    Accidental Ingestion

    • Despite the non-toxic label, ingestion of the sodium polyacrylate found in diapers -- powdered or gel-form -- is potentially harmful. Although headache is common, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and irritation of the digestive track may also occur. West Virginia University recommends seeking medical attention immediately in cases of accidental ingestion. This is also the case if irritation of the skin or eyes persists after flushing with cold water following contact with sodium polyacrylate.

    The Toxic Shock Connection

    • When discussing the safety of sodium polyacrylate, it is important to mention that the polymer was once a matter of controversy. In the past, this hydrogel was the main absorbent used in the manufacture of tampons. The polymer has since been replaced due to its association with toxic shock syndrome. Further research into the connection between sodium polyacrylate and toxic shock syndrome reveals that improper tampon use, and not the polymer, is to blame.

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