By Jaquiline Mudiriza
WHILE many would agree that disposable nappies have made life a lot easier for most modern day mothers, it is disheartening to note that there is literally nothing disposable about these nappies especially in Zimbabwe where refuse collection is more of a privilege than a public service. This has culminated in garbage lots on undesignated spaces in residential areas.
Disposable nappies were not designed for recycling as they contain various materials that include paper, plastic and absorbent material. As such, attempts at recycling have been little, yielding very limited success.
Disposable nappies, commonly referred to by many in Zimbabwe as “pampers” (derived from a brand of disposable nappies) also contain harmful substances which are disposed of into the environment.
Intermittent refuse collection by the responsible authorities, particularly in Harare has not helped the situation either, and if anything, it has actually caused a surge in illegal dump sites across the capital. Contents of the diapers (human waste), is not professionally managed before the nappies are disposed of into the environment and this poses a great health risk.
According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are among the most toxic chemicals known to science and are listed by the EPA as highly carcinogenic chemicals which means they have the potential to cause cancer. Most disposable diapers are bleached white with chlorine resulting in a by-product called dioxin(s) that trickles into the environment and the diapers.
Awareness campaigns on the use and proper disposal of diapers need to be undertaken, especially by manufacturers, environmental activists, regulatory authorities including government and citizens likewise.
The potential damage that disposable nappies can cause to the environment should never be underestimated.
