Sanitary Pads Have Cancer-Causing Toxic Chemicals: Study

New Delhi: A new study, based on testing 10 brands of sanitary pads sold in the country, suggests that using them can be harmful to the body. It is titled ‘Wrapped in Secrecy: Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products‘, released by environmental NGO ‘Toxics Link’. According to a press release, the study has found the presence of toxic chemicals like phthalates and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in organic and inorganic sanitary pads that are sold in the Indian market.

Dr Aakanksha Mehrotra, programme coordinator at Toxics Link told indianexpress.com that a survey revealed sanitary pads to be the preferred choice for most menstruating women. “We found phthalates and VOCs to be present in all the pads that we tested,” the doctor was quoted as saying.

The study conducted this year tested 10 brands of pads and found traces of phthalates and VOCs in all the samples. Twelve different types of phthalates (DIBP, DBP, DINP, DIDP, DMP, DEP, BBP, DNOP, DEHP, DHP, DIPP, DPP) were found, the release stated, adding that the highest concentration of phthalates detected in the test sanitary pads was 19460 µg/kg of DIDP in one of the tested organic pads.

Phthalates have been linked to various health issues, including endocrine disruption, effects on the heart and reproductive systems, diabetes, some cancers, and congenital disabilities.

“Most of these chemicals are added to make the pad more elastic. But, they are dangerous because they can cause problems like POCS. endometriosis, hypothyroidism, etc. They can change the hormonal functioning of the body. Phthalates leak out; they are not bound to the product they are added to. The vaginal tissues have a higher permeability. These chemicals, therefore, are absorbed into the body at a higher rate,” Dr Mehrotra warned.

She added that VOCs are used in the pads for fragrance and can cause allergic reactions. Once the pads are disposed of, they are added to the soil and ultimately become a part of the food chain, which can also cause harm to health, she was quoted as saying.

Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, a gynaecologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh told this outlet that women who use sanitary napkins need to keep in mind that the skin down there is “very thin and sensitive”. “It tends to absorb these chemicals very fast. As doctors, we use the vagina as a delivery route for hormones. So, imagine that if sanitary napkins have these chemicals, how fast they will get absorbed into the body. The phthalates and VOCs mentioned in the study can cause severe reproductive toxicity and behavioural disorders,” she warned.

Dr Vaidyanathan suggested using safer alternatives like cloth napkins and menstrual cups that are good for the environment, too.