A new study has raised alarming concerns about the safety of sanitary pads commonly used in India, revealing that a significant number of these products are contaminated with cancer-causing substances. The research suggests that prolonged use of these pads could pose serious health risks, including cancer and infertility. Given that approximately 75% of adolescent girls in India rely on sanitary napkins, the findings of this study are particularly concerning.
Dr. Amit, a key investigator and program coordinator at Toxics Link, an environmental NGO responsible for the study, expressed his shock at the discovery of harmful chemicals in widely available sanitary products. “It is deeply troubling to find that many of these products contain toxic chemicals, including carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens,” Dr. Amit stated. The study analyzed ten different brands of sanitary pads, revealing traces of phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)—substances known to have carcinogenic properties. Notably, some phthalates identified in the study are banned under European regulations.
The study highlights the significant risk of these harmful chemicals entering the body through prolonged use of sanitary pads. According to Dr. Aakanksha Mehrotra, Toxics Link’s program coordinator, “The vaginal mucous membrane is highly absorbent, meaning that toxins can enter the body more rapidly than through the skin.” This underscores the urgent need for greater awareness and regulation regarding the contents of sanitary products.
For years, discussions around menstrual hygiene have largely focused on the benefits of using sanitary pads over unsanitary alternatives. However, the presence of dangerous compounds like carcinogens in these widely used products has largely gone unaddressed. According to the latest National Family Health Survey, about 64% of Indian women between the ages of 15 and 24 use sanitary pads, with usage patterns influenced by factors such as education and socio-economic status.
This new research calls into question the safety standards governing sanitary products in India, urging policymakers and manufacturers to take immediate action to ensure the health and safety of women and girls across the country.
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