eLetters to:

ELECTRONIC ARTICLE: Lauren Alberta, Susan M. Sweeney, and Karen Wiss Diaper Dye Dermatitis Pediatrics 2005; 116: e450-e452 [Abstract] [Full text] [PDF]

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eLetters published:

Diaper Dye Clarification

James B. Guckert, Jennifer L. Ochsenhirt, Central Product Safety-Baby Care, The Procter & Gamble Company   (1 November 2005)

Diaper Dye Clarification 1 November 2005
James B. Guckert, Baby Care Product Safety & Regulatory Affairs The Procter & Gamble Company, Cincinnati, Ohio, Jennifer L. Ochsenhirt, Central Product Safety-Baby Care, The Procter & Gamble Company Send letter to journal: Re: Diaper Dye Clarification guckert.jb{at}pg.com James B. Guckert, et al.	As one of the leading manufacturers of disposable diapers, we have read with interest the article “Diaper Dye Dermatitis” published in the September issue of Pediatrics. The authors make an assumption about colorants used in diapers that we would like to clarify. In their discussion the authors indicated that they were unable to get detailed information about dyes used in diapers, and concluded that “it is likely that the dyes used in the diapers are disperse dyes.” Pampers® and Luvs® do not contain disperse dyes. In their article, the authors point out that disperse dyes “…adhere loosely to manufactured fibers. They have been found to release easily from fabrics, primarily from areas of increased friction and sweating.” In contrast, the colorants used in our diapers are pigments that are a part of the chemistry of the fibers themselves, and as such do not release from the non-woven materials that they color. Additionally, all of the raw materials in our diapers are intensively reviewed for their safety profile. This includes review of the chemicals used (like pigments) and their allergenicity potential. Our diaper products are extensively tested for safety per standard dermatology testing protocols (e.g. Human Repeat Insult Patch Test). Moreover, for any type of coloring agent (pigments) we conduct leachability tests under rigorous extraction conditions. Finally, before marketing, our diapers undergo intensive in-use tests to verify product performance and to ensure that there is no in-use leaching to the skin. Therefore, we agree with the corresponding author, Dr. Karen Wiss, when she was quoted as saying “that the ‘vast majority’ of babies and toddlers can probably wear colorful diapers without a problem.”1 References: 1. Norton, Amy. 2005. Dyes in diapers can cause skin rash. Integra Rx Health News website, Reuters Health, NY. http://www.integrarx.com/news/article-diapers-cause-9183.html Conflict of Interest: Authors are employed by Procter & Gamble, a consumer products company and maker of disposable diapers under the Pampers® and Luvs® brand names.