According to a study conducted by a Delhi-based environmental NGO, popular sanitary napkins offered in India have high levels of chemicals linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
The study, titled “Wrapped in Secrecy: Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products” and done by Toxics Link, an environmental NGO, shows that two toxic chemicals are present in some of the most popular types of sanitary napkins sold in India: phthalates and
. The researchers evaluated ten types of inorganic pads, including Whisper, Stayfree, and Sofy, and organic pads, including PeeSafe, Nua, and Plush. Unfortunately, both variations tested positive for hazardous substances (
).
and VOCs in all of the pads that we tested,” said Dr. Aakanksha Mehrotra, program coordinator at Toxics Link and a study participant. “The majority of these compounds are included to increase the elasticity of the pad. However, they are harmful because they can cause PCOS, endometriosis, hypothyroidism, and other issues. They can alter the body’s hormonal functioning. Phthalates escape because they are not attached to the product to which they are introduced.” Furthermore, long-term exposure to the toxins can result in cancer.
The chemicals are also utilized to give fragrance to the products, ensuring ‘freshness’ for customers.
However, the study does not recommend any specific sort of feminine hygiene product as a safer option. Toxics Link’s principal program coordinator, Priti Mahesh, told The Wire, “We never claimed that any other type of sanitary product is better than napkins.” They may or may not include chemicals; further research is required.” Some experts believe that cotton napkins and menstruation cups are safer choices. However, given the scarcity of period product research, one must wonder: are they?
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Meanwhile, Dr. Mehrotra noted that statistics show that sanitary napkins are still the popular choice for menstruation hygiene among customers, putting them in danger without their understanding. According to The Quint, the sanitary napkin business in India is expected to be worth $618.4 million by 2021.
The inclusion of hazardous substances in sanitary pads is particularly concerning because the vaginal mucous membrane is very permeable and can absorb poisons at a far higher rate than, say the skin. “The vagina absorbs these chemicals very quickly.” As doctors, we use the vagina as a hormone-delivery pathway.
Consider how quickly these chemicals will be taken into the body if sanitary napkins include them. “The phthalates and VOCs mentioned in the study can cause severe reproductive toxicity and behavioral disorders,” cautioned Dr. Uma Vaidyanathan, a gynecologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, adding that the skin in the vaginal area is “very thin and sensitive.”
What’s particularly surprising is how long it took us to realize that even organic pads, which have long been advertised as “safer” and “more responsible” options, are equally dangerous. However, considering that periods are widely regarded as a “women’s problem” and that medical science has frequently overlooked women’s health, it’s not surprising that research on the subject has just recently emerged. After all, it took thousands of women experiencing period disruptions, as well as specialists questioning data gaps and advocating for further research, before scientists investigated the influence of COVID-19 vaccinations and the virus itself on people’s mental health.
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Despite the fact that alternatives to phthalates are “most conveniently available,” Mahesh claims that “there has been no effort from the industry to look at other options” since “there is no regulation.” It’s unsettling but not surprising that the businesses behind the napkins would rather spend money advertising pads than finance research into their safety.
Mahesh’s statement also implies a lack of legislation in India to establish and then maintain safety standards for menstrual hygiene products. “Our findings clearly indicate that it is past time for the government to set and enforce such standards,” Mahesh remarked. “However, before doing anything of the sort, the government must first conduct a study.”
Our study only looked at two substances and certain items. The government will require data for all chemicals and sanitary goods. Producers must be required to disclose appropriate information and adequate warnings in order to assess the risks.”
In other words, the findings have revealed a culture of institutional disrespect for the menstrual population’s health.
As Mahesh put it, “People who use market-available menstrual products deserve access to safe products and the right to know what ingredients they are exposed to.”
A Different Perspective on Sanitary Pads
Despite the fact that businesses and public awareness campaigns have worked tirelessly to educate people about menstruation hygiene, we cannot ignore the sickness caused by sanitary napkins.
In my opinion, companies and scientists should develop ecologically friendly, toxic-free pads for women, as well as any other options that might assure a healthy existence for women. It is a complicated process, but several companies are attempting to produce sanitary pads organically.
They rarely employ chemical components in their products; instead, natural elements are required to prevent deadly diseases such as cancer.
Prevention Using a Sanitary Pad to Avert Cancer
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Change the sanitary pad on a regular basis - Keep your vagina clean
- Maintain sanitary conditions
- Avoid using public restrooms
- Examine the groin area for signs of infection
- Wear only cotton pants and avoid using chemicals
- Dispose of sanitary pads with caution
- Shower with hot water
- Pad rashes should be avoided
- Use antifungal medication to treat an infection
- Buy organic pads and avoid artificial perfumes
Reference :
- Wrapped in Secrecy: Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products – (https:ruralindiaonline.org/en/library/resource/wrapped-in-secrecy-toxic-chemicals-in-menstrual-products/)
Source: Medindia
