California State Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Menlo Park) has introduced legislation aimed at increasing transparency around the ingredients used in children’s diapers.
Assembly Bill 1901, co-sponsored by the Environmental Working Group, Children Now and Consumer Reports, would require manufacturers of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California to clearly disclose all ingredients both on product packaging and online.
“As a new dad, I have a new appreciation for how important it is for parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and wellness of their children. We all want the best for our children, but the lack of transparency around diaper ingredients prevents us from knowing what ‘the best’ is when buying the one thing that is touching our baby’s skin every minute of their lives for years,” says Berman. “I’m proud to author AB 1901 to give parents greater transparency into what chemicals are in their children’s diapers so that they can make the right choice for their family.”
The legislation comes amid concerns over babies’ exposure to chemicals, given the delicate nature of their skin and the prolonged, continuous contact with diapers.
“Chemical exposure during the most critical window of infant development can trigger a lifetime of health challenges,” says Susan Little, Environmental Working Group’s California Legislative Director. “Despite these high stakes, a lace of transparency allows diaper manufacturers to keep their ingredients secret, forcing parents into a guessing game.”
Recent testing has found that some diapers contain ingredients associated with health and environmental concerns. Among them are phthalates, which have been linked to hormone disruption, and bleaching agents that may cause skin and respiratory irritation.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are also commonly used in diapers and may include hazardous air pollutants such as toluene and xylene, which have been associated with respiratory and other health risks. In addition, certain wetness indicators and colorful designs may contain potentially harmful compounds, heavy metals or dyes that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.
“Parents shouldn’t have to worry about potentially harmful chemicals in baby products, especially diapers. However, manufacturers are not required to be fully transparent with that information,” says Gabe Knight, Senior Policy Analyst at Consumer Reports. “This bill would help ensure that parents and caregivers have the information they need to make informed decisions about which products are best for their baby. Consumer Reports is pleased to support this bill and commends Assemblymember Berman for his work on this issue.”
Under AB 1901, manufacturers would face new disclosure requirements in two stages. Beginning January 1, 2028, manufacturers of any children’s diaper sold, distributed or manufactured in California would be required to publish a list of all intentionally added ingredients on a publicly accessible webpage. The information would also have to include each ingredient’s Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) number and its specific function or purpose in the diaper.
Beginning January 1, 2029, manufacturers would additionally be required to list intentionally added ingredients on the outermost packaging of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California. The packaging would also have to provide a web address where consumers could access the complete ingredient information in an easily identifiable manner.
“Parents and caregivers should be able to feel confident about the products they choose to keep their babies and toddlers clean and dry,” said Ted Lempert with Children Now. “AB 1901 is a Pro-Kid bill that makes transparent information about diapers easily accessible, so families can make informed choices for their little ones.”
