Health Hazards Posed by Sanitary Pads

In this article, Dr Rina Mukherji discusses revelations made by a recent study on menstrual products. Undertaken by Toxics Link, this study reveals the rampant use of plastics and plasticizers in sanitary pads – the most popular menstrual product used by Indian women

- Dr Rina Mukherji

Considered an indispensable part of female menstrual hygiene today, sanitary pads can, ironically, pose a major health hazard, owing to the extensive use of plastics and plasticizers. This was highlighted in a recent study, “Wrapped in Secrecy: Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products”, undertaken by Toxics Link, in collaboration with TUV SUD South Asia, with support from the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC).

The study, which covered 10 leading organic and inorganic brands in the Indian market, found a host of parabens, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds that are known health hazards being used in female hygiene products due to a lax regulatory regimen.

The study looked into the qualitative and quantitative aspects of inorganic brands. In all, there were 10 major brands that were examined. Surprisingly, although organic pads are considered to be much safer—since they use organic materials and are biodegradable, the study found both inorganic and organic pads to be equally ridden with parabens, plastics, and plasticizers. This, the study notes, is a major health hazard, especially since a sanitary pad is in direct contact with the vulvar and vaginal tissues, which are more permeable and covered by mucous. This results in direct transfer of harmful chemicals into the circulatory and reproductive systems of a person using the product.

Evolution of the Modern Sanitary Pad