Am J Med Public Health | Volume 1, Issue 2 | Review Article | Open Access

Disposable Diapers: Impact of Disposal Methods on Public Health and the Environment

Mfon Emmanuel Ntekpe¹, Emem Okon Mbong², Ekom Ndifreke Edem^3* and Sajjad Hussain⁴

¹Department of Microbiology, Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udoata, Eket, Nigeria ²Department of Environmental Biology, Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udoata, Eket, Nigeria ³Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, Uyo, Nigeria ⁴Department of Microbiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China

^*Correspondance to: Ekom Ndifreke Edem 

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Abstract

Disposable diapers contain traces of dioxin, an extremely toxic by-product of the paper-bleaching process and a carcinogenic chemical, the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals. However, they are wonderfully convenient than cloth diapers and it has become the diaper of choice for mothers and care-givers. Disposable diapers are thrown away indiscriminately and this presents some challenges, environmental and health-wise. The environmental pollution caused by these indiscriminate disposal methods of used diapers is becoming obvious in many African countries, and globally, disposable diapers create large quantities of waste. This review recommends that disposable diapers should be disposed appropriately and indiscriminate dumping of disposable diapers by mothers and care givers should be discouraged. Waste management authorities should create awareness on proper disposal and environmental effects of used diapers on our environment. 

Keywords:

 Disposable; Diapers; Waste; Degradation; Pathogens 

Citation:

Ntekpe ME, Mbong EO, Edem EN, Hussain S. Disposable Diapers: Impact of Disposal Methods on Public Health and the Environment. Am J Med Public Health. 2020; 1(2): 1009. .