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News Note:
TBT Found in Disposable Diapers
The UK Women's Environmental
Network (WEN) is calling for immediate action following the discovery
that certain brands of disposable diapers contain a chemical that
could disrupt human hormones. WEN released results of chemical analysis
of five types of newborn size diapers that showed the presence of
tributyltin (TBT). Although the amounts found were extremely small,
babies could be in contact with up to 3.6 times the estimated tolerable
daily intake.
TBT is a long-lasting toxic chemical
which is a known endocrine disruptor. It has caused shellfish to change
sex and recent research suggests it could act in a similar way in humans.
It is used in antifouling paint on ships and in the manufacture of certain
plastics. Its use has already been banned on small boats and the German
and Austrian Environment Agencies are calling for an EU-wide ban on all
uses. The International Maritime Organization is pushing member states
to sign up to a ban on its use on all ships by 2003.
The chemical can be absorbed through
the skin. A safe level has not been established for effects on the hormone
system but the World Health Organization has calculated a tolerable daily
intake for adults of 15 microgrammes based on the experience of shipyard
workers. WEN estimates that intake of one microgramme a day could be unsafe
for babies. The tests suggest babies could be in contact with up to 3.6
microgrammes a day.
WEN commissioned the diaper analysis
after Greenpeace Germany found TBT in various diapers on sale in Germany,
as well as in football shirts and PVC flooring. At least one major manufacturer,
Procter and Gamble, appears to have known about the presence of TBT since
January yet contaminated diapers were still on sale in the UK on July
5, 2000.
Source: WEN press release,
July 30, 2000.
Contact: Women's Environmental
Network, P.O. Box 30626 London E1 1TZ UK; phone (44-207) 481 9004; fax
(44-207) 481 9144; email wenuk@gn.apc.org.
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