Pending diaper shortage could cause a stink worldwide

Parents with young children could soon be facing a diaper dilemma.

An explosion at a Japanese chemical plant is expected to slow production of disposable diapers everywhere and possibly drive up the price.

Nippon Shokubai produces about 10 percent of the world supply of acrylic acid, which is used to make SAP, a resin substance in diapers.

Other SAP-makers have been operating at full capacity. It is not yet known when Nippon Shokubai will be coming back online at full speed.

Company officials said Saturday's explosion killed one firefighter and injured at least 30 others. The cause of the blast is not known.