NEW YORK, May 13, 2009
Some Swim Diapers Dirtying Up Pool Water?
Study: Pampers, Huggies Don't Prevent Spread Of Most Common Cause Of Waterborne Illnesses
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CBS News medical correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton tells Early Show co-anchor Harry Smith about a new study that says swim diapers do not prevent the spread of the most common cause of waterborne illness. (CBS/The Early Show)
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Play CBS Video Video Swim Diaper Precautions Certain germs may not be eliminated by chlorine, says Dr. Jennifer Ashton, who explains good poolside diaper hygiene to Harry Smith.
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According to a new study, conducted by scientists from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte (UNC-Charlotte), some swim diapers worn by youngsters may not prevent the spread of the most common cause of waterborne illness.
Pampers and Huggies were the brands put to the test by the researchers.
And the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, "It is unlikely that swim diapers are able to keep diarrheal stools ... from leaking into the pool and no manufacturers claim these products prevent leakage of diarrhea into pools."
"We're talking about the parasite Cryptosporidium (crypto), which the CDC estimates is responsible for an upwards of 750 gastrointestinal water borne illnesses, diarrhea, 'stool in the pool,'" CBS News medical correspondent, Dr. Jennifer Ashton said.
In other words, if your child is ill, they shouldn't be in the pool.
"That's right. I think, to be clear, the diaper companies do not claim these will form a complete water-tight leak-proof seal," Ashton said. "A lot of parents, I know from my own kids, we get lulled into a false sense of security that this is really going to protect the spread."
Ashton demonstrated this by putting a couple of drops of food coloring in a pool to show that when children are splashing around, it doesn't take long before the entire pool is contaminated.
"Chlorine does not kill crypto and kids only need to swallow ten particles of the millions that get circulated to get sick," she added.
Ashton offered some tips:
"Make sure there's nothing in there that will come out in the pool. You'll be very unpopular and potentially sick," she said.
*Editor's note: Labels on some of these products warn of leakage. Huggies label reads: "Do not expect swimpants to prevent the transmission of diseases."
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- Diapers are probably one of the worst things to take into a public pool. They are filled with all kinds of bacteria. I would encourage parents to have their children try to use the bathroom before entering a pool area.
Go to:
www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/swimming-pool-maintenance-tips.html
www.clean-pool-and-spa.com/swimming-pool-chlorine.html
for great info - Reply to this comment
