'Period' talk: Are synthetic sanitary pads used during menstruation a health, environmental hazard? Find out

Periods are normal and so is any discussion around it. And while it is a known fact that in India there is still hesitation among households in talking about menstruation and a lot of women in the rural areas still do not have access to pads during periods (according to the National Family Health Survey, in 2015-2016 the use of sanitary pads is 4 per cent in rural India and 77 per cent in urban India.), forget sanitation and hygiene, what is even disturbing is that the plastic, synthetic pads that most women use are harmful, to say the least. 

Most of the commercially available sanitary pads are primarily manufactured using artificial by-products of petroleum i.e. plastics and are not biodegradable. 

And while this is just the environmental concern, the effect these synthetic pads can have on the reproductive health of a woman is beyond measure. 

While there's no denying that the ease that comes along with the use of these synthetic pads is something that women enjoy, little do they suspect the impending health threat that they are being exposed to, and the effect these pads are having to their reproductive health.

And while there are several NGOs, individuals and brands, besides the government, who are all making an effort to encourage discussions around menstruation and make available sanitary options to those who can't afford or are unaware of it, especially in the rural areas, one of the most important aspects of this discussion should also be around how one can opt for sustainable, eco-friendly options during periods.

However, what is a concern at this hour is that a large section of the women who do have access to pads are using the synthetic ones that are not just harmful to them but also to the environment at large. 

This dual-edged sword is a lose-lose situation for everyone.

"Most commercially available personal care products are made up of 90% plastics, dioxins, and other harmful chemicals. Your synthetic sanitary pad may not only cause rashes, allergies, birth defects, cervical cancer but it will also lie in a landfill taking over 500 years to decompose. This is a lose-lose for the body and the environment," said Deepanjali Kanoria, Founder, Heyday. 

Dr Diksha S Chadha, Chief of Product and Strategy, Sirona, was of the opinion that even though sanitary pads are synonymous with periods, most of these pads are not good for the planet. She said, "The pads are made of plenty of plastic, contain cellulose gum and have an absorbent material that converts liquid to gel. All these substances make these sanitary napkins highly polluting in nature." "Not only do they stay in the environment for 400-800 years, but also land up in water bodies due to lack of proper disposal systems. These pads are often found washed up on beaches and obstruct sewerage system in cities leading to waterlogging," she added.
 
Here are some of the health and environmental risks associated with the usage of synthetic pads. 

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH USING SYNTHETIC PADS

The health hazards associated with synthetic menstruation products manifests only on long-term exposure and you do not face immediate issues. Some of the risks you carry are:

- The cellulose gel that forms the bulk of the absorbent material can cause cervical cancer with prolonged exposure to it.
 
- The chemical composition of the plastics used in the pads may lead to embryonic damage and its development.

- The absorbent material is composed of rayon, which when bleached releases dioxin, the presence of which in the pads, make them both health and environmental hazards. WHO labels dioxin as a pollutant and carcinogen which does not degrade in the environment easily. The effects it can have on the human body is much more serious than just superficial irritation and allergy. The vaginal mucous membrane is extremely permeable and can absorb chemical like dioxin directly into the bloodstream. Dioxin is also an immunosuppressant and can disrupt your hormonal regulatory mechanism. This endocrine disrupter can alter the ratio of estrogen and androgen in your body, resulting in reproductive problems.

- The pads if not replaced at regular intervals, make you prone to rashes, allergies, and infections. 

- The plasticizers like BPA and synthetic linings of sanitary pads can result in the increased risk of exposure to bacteria and yeasts. Wetness resulting from the collection of moisture can be a breeding ground for bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and yeast, like Candida albicans. These microbes multiply rapidly in a humid environment and cause vaginal infections. If left untreated, these microbes can enter the bloodstream and cause severe septic shock.

- Vaginitis can progress into Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, which has the potential to damage the reproductive ability of a woman. BPA and BPS are also linked with disruption of embryonic development.

-A beautiful fragrance is associated with the freshness of sanitary napkins. But the price that you are paying for having an odour-free period is not worth it at all. Synthetic sanitary napkins are laced with odour neutralizers and artificial fragrances. These cheap chemical components can cause serious irritations and allergy. These chemicals can cause complications in reproduction, to the extent of infertility.

-Apart from these health concerns, the looming environmental threat due to synthetic sanitary pads is equally serious. Burning or burying of these wastes can release the dangerous chemicals into the air, water and soil, which eventually find their way back to all living beings. This continuous cycle of pollution affects all life forms.

HOW CAN THE SITUATION BE IMPROVED?

According to Deepanjali Kanoria, the Bureau of Indian Standards, 1980 specifies very basic tests regarding only the physical attributes of sanitary pads.

She mentions, there are no regulations on synthetic sanitary napkins in India that pertain to the toxicity or safety of the ingredients used in the manufacturing. So, to say the least, biocompatibility tests, toxicology, and microbiological tests are necessary during the preclinical phase to ensure that the product is safe for women as well as the environment.