Sanitary pads are considered the most safe and hygienic product to use during menstruation which is why Sanitary pads are the most commonly used product specifically by women . Although there are several other environment friendly substitute products available like menstrual cups, period underwear, reusable menstrual pads, menstrual disc, organic tampons etc., but still most women prefer to choose Sanitary pads over these products.
Since long time health experts and many environmental organizations have been urging women to lessen the use of sanitary pads and choose more health friendly menstruation products since disposable sanitary pads are equally harmful for our health as well as our environment .
Now a recent study by Toxic Links ,a Non-Government Organisation (NGO), has revealed that the most commonly sold sanitary pads do contain a lot of toxic chemicals like carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens which can be severely harmful and may increase the risk of cancer and infertility in a woman.
The study which was conducted on 10 commonly sold and known brands of sanitary pads across India, have revealed to have found traces of phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in all of the samples. The ten pad samples includes six inorganic and four organic sanitary pads available in the market. And the details of the findings were published in a report titled ‘Menstrual Waste 2022’.
The study further states that these chemicals are equally dangerous and can trigger to cause cancer.
Phthalates are a group of chemicals used to make plastics more durable. They are often called plasticizers. Phthalates are generally added to the layers of sanitary pads to enhance the elasticity and gel properties. According to experts ,Exposure to phthalates may lead to several health concerns including endocrine disruption, impacts to the heart and reproductive systems, diabetes, some cancers, and birth defects.
VOCs are mainly added in sanitary pads as fragrances, adsorbents, moisture barriers, adhesives, and binders and exposure to VOCs increases the risk of brain impairment, asthma, disabilities, certain cancers, and the proper functioning of the reproductive system.
According to Toxics Link there is requirement of standards and restrictions to restrict the presence of chemical substances in sanitary products.
- As per the recommendations of the study, girls and women need to deserve access to safe menstrual products in the market and have the right to know what they are exposed to.
- There has to be a thorough investigation into the presence of VOCs and phthalates and their potential impact in menstrual products to the menstruators.
- Government and standards making bodies should be framing standards for chemicals in sanitary products.
- Producers should mandatorily disclose the names of product ingredients.
- Lastly while advertising producers should play a responsible role and provide relevant information and adequate warnings on the product.
