Nuts. -gb wrote: > The article was based on a study of 48 kids. Researchers measured rectal and > scrotal temps in boys wearing disposable diapers vs cotton diapers, and found > a "significant" difference between the two groups (hotter in disposables.) > > The article recommended further study on the use of disposable diapers as a > possible explanation for the increased male infertility rates in recent > generations. It cited "ample evidence" of the negative effects that > increased scrotal temps have on male reproductive health, and questioned > whether the greater insulating effects of disposable diapers -and their surge > in popularity - may have contributed to the problem. > > The article stopped short of recommending only cloth diapers for male infants > and children (in fact, it actually agreed that disposable diapers are here to > stay), but it did recommend developing guidelines for the use of disposable > diapers on male infants and children who are febrile - implying, of course, > that the risk of thermal damage is significantly greater when disposable > diapers are used on feverish little boys. > > The article certainly does offer something to think about... Of course, I > wonder if the temperature difference between the disposable and cloth diapers > would be as great if the plastic coating was removed from the disposables, > allowing them to "breathe"? (Something else to think about!) > > Judy T RN