THE HERALD   EVERETT, WASHINGTON
HeraldNet on Facebook HeraldNet on Twitter HeraldNet RSS feeds
Welcome, Guest | Register | Sign In
 Home    News   Nation/World       
Published: Thursday, September 2, 2010

No link between Dry Max diapers and rashes, Feds say

NATASHA T. METZLER,Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) — Government safety officials have not found a connection between a new kind of Pampers diapers and the severe skin reactions reported by some parents' groups.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday that it has reviewed 4,700 complaints, but found no specific cause linking Pampers diapers with new Dry Max technology to diaper rash.

"We hope that today's announcement will reassure the millions of moms and dads and child caregivers who place their trust in Pampers and Dry Max every day," Jodi Allen, vice president for Pampers, said in a statement.

Procter & Gamble launched new versions of its Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers in the U.S. in March. The thinner diapers use the company's Dry Max absorbent gel material to replace the paper pulp gel previously used. Parents' groups blamed the change for severe skin problems.

In May, the CPSC launched an investigation of Dry Max following complaints of babies and toddlers suffering severe and persistent diaper rashes and blisters that resemble chemical burns.

They agency said it reviewed the materials, construction, heat retention and moisture retention properties of the Dry Max diapers, along with clinical and toxicological data. CPSC also analyzed scientific information provided by Canadian health officials.

While it found nothing specific about the Dry Max diapers that causes rashes, CPSC said that most babies do get diaper rash at least once. If a rash occurs, the agency recommends changing diaper brands and consulting a pediatrician.

The agency will continue to monitor the situation and encourages parents and caregivers to send additional reports of rashes, especially after visiting a doctor.

A Facebook group asking Procter & Gamble to bring back the older versions of its diapers has grown to more than 11,000 members.

The criticism has had P&G officials scrambling to protect the brand responsible for more than 10 percent of the company's $79 billion annual revenue.

It diverted 40 to 50 employees to marketing and research on Dry Max full time and extended its Pampers phone line's hours.

The company also flew four so-called "mommy bloggers" from around the country to P&G's offices in Cincinnati to influence parents seeking product reviews, moneysaving tips and other advice.

___

Online: http://www.cpsc.gov

Story tags » 

Health
Comments
NORTHSOUND ClassifiedsNORTHSOUND Classifieds
Top Jobs
Homes
Autos

HeraldNet highlights

Red flags for Reardon's run
Red flags for Reardon's run: Exec used public resources for political fundraising, records show
Thinking ink?
Thinking ink?: Read up on tattoos before you commit to one
Can you give a pet a home?
Can you give a pet a home?: Updated gallery: Animals seeking adoption in Everett
Rescuer becomes the rescued
Rescuer becomes the rescued: Everett Mountain Rescue volunteer had to rely on teammates