GREENPEACE CALLS ON PARENTS TO RETURN CONTAMINATED NAPPIES TO PRODUCERS: NEW TESTS SHOW THAT TBT-FREE NAPPIES ARE A RARITY

19 May 2000

HAMBURG -- Greenpeace today published new test results of nappies, and called on parents to return nappies contaminated with the hormone pollutant TBT (tributyl tin) to the producers.

The latest scientific tests carried out by Greenpeace found TBT in 6 nappies labels. Four nappies labels were TBT-free, but they contained the toxic organotin compound DBT. TBT is an environmental pollutant with a hormone-like effect. The smallest concentrations of TBT can harm people's immune systems and impair their hormonal system. (1)

The nappies without TBT are: "Moltex Oeko Hoeschenwindeln Junior", "Budni Midi" (Moltex nappies produced for the drugstore chain Budnikowsky) and "Hoewi, Boy & Girl Maxi" (Penny supermarkets). The one-way nappies of the company Moltex are also made of unbleached materials.

The nappies "Vibelle" (Aldi supermarkets), "Premium AS soft for Baby Unisex" (Schlecker drugstore chain), "Cosies Premium" (Wal Mart supermarkets), Moltex Comfort Boys & Girls, "Yes! Compact" (Rewe supermarkets) and "Molai" (Paper firm Halstrick) were contaminated with TBT. The Greenpeace tests were carried out by the Galab ecological laboratories in Germany.

"Unfortunately, TBT-free nappies are a rarity," said Greenpeace toxics expert Thilo Maack. "Producers would probably remove TBT from their nappies if parents return the contaminated ones to companies like Procter & Gamble. Parents in Germany cannot for legal reasons demand that their money be returned."

A week ago, Greenpeace uncovered that TBT and other organotin compounds were found in Procter & Gamble's Pampers "Baby Dry", in the Paul Hartmann company's "Fixies Ultra Dry", and in LedysanSpa's "United Colours of Benetton Junior unisex". All tests were proven by scientific analyses made on Greenpeace's behalf. (2)

Last Monday, several parts of "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" were analysed and a high contamination in the belt section of these nappies were found. "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" contained up to 38.4 micrograms of TBT per kilogram. Other organotin compounds were also in the Pampers, including DBT and MBT. If all discovered organotin compounds were added, a total of 53.2 micrograms per kilogram were found.

Greenpeace's scientific test results contradict a statement by Procter & Gamble, in which the company on May 12 denied that its nappies were contaminated with organotin compounds. The reaction of Procter & Gamble is a scandal. The company's management is downplaying the danger instead of actively searching for the source of TBT in Pampers.

"TBT is one of the most toxic substances ever made. It can be absorbed through the skin and contaminates the environment as well as people," Maack said. "It is absolutely irresponsible to expose babies to these extremely toxic substances. Greenpeace demands that the German government bans this toxin in all areas of use."

Witco, a company in Bergkamen/Germany, produces 80 per cent of the TBT used in the world. The smallest quantities of TBT kill algae and mussels and for that reason it is used in ships' paints to stop their growth on hulls.

Greenpeace has been calling on the chemical and ship industries to ban its production or application. There are less harmful alternatives to TBT in all the spheres in which organotin compounds are used.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

- Thilo Maack, mobile +49 171 8780841 and tel. +49 40 30618-359, or press officer Svenja Koch, mobile +49 171 8780826 and tel. +49 40 30618 344.

(1) The human toxicologist Prof. Dr. Joerg Oehlmann from the International Institute in Zittau, Germany, said: "The set up of the substances, especially in the product "Pampers Baby Dry Mini" of Procter & Gambles, cannot rule out a health impact on babies who are much more sensitive then .... " This analysiss is also supported by the Association of Germany's Baby doctors, which advised parents not to purchase TBT- contaminated nappies. The german government is currently debating a ban of organo tin compounds.

(2) These nappies ranged from 4.2 micrograms of TBT per kilogram in the Benetton nappies, through 4.7 microgram TBT/kg in Fixies, to 8.6 microgram TBT/kg in Pampers. Other organotin compounds such as dibutyl tin and monobutyl tin were also found. These chemicals come from a nappies' part which gets in contact with babies' skin.

Greenpeace last January found TBT in fish for human consumption, and in March detected TBT in football shirts despite textile manufacturers declaring them safe again. TBT has furthermore recently been found in plastic PVC floorings.