Using Sanitary Pads Cause Cancer & Infertility?
A study conducted by a New Delhi-based NGO has found that popular sanitary napkin brands in India contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer and infertility.
In the last few days, you must have seen a lot of news about sanitary pads having chemicals. This is so dangerous! Deaf women across India use pads every month and now we find that it is dangerous. Nearly 64 percent of women in the age group of 15-24 years use sanitary pads. Don’t worry, we will now explain.
A study conducted by Toxics Link, which is a New Delhi-based (NGO) non-profit organisation, has found that popular sanitary napkin brands in India contain harmful chemicals that can cause cancer and infertility. Yes, you heard that right, toxic chemicals such as phthalates and VOCs have been found in the popular sanitary pads. ??Phthalates are added to the plastic to increase its flexibility, transparency, durability, and longevity. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), phthalates may cause problems in puberty, cancer, and fertility disorders in both males and females. Asthma, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), breast cancer, obesity, diabetes, low IQ and many more disorders are also caused by phthalates. The other chemical component found in sanitary pads are VOCs, which means Volatile Organic Compounds.
Long-term exposure to VOC can cause irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, nausea, fatigue, loss of coordination, dizziness, and damage to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system and can also cause cancer. While the two harmful chemicals can be found in various other products such as paints, deodorants, air fresheners, nail polish - but exposure through sanitary pads is what makes it more dangerous as the vaginal tissue is more permeable and it allows such chemicals to directly enter the body. The chemicals can pass through the vagina into the body more easily.
So what now? Many doctors suggest using cloth pads and menstrual cups. You just make sure to wash it regularly and keep it clean. What do you think about this recent study? Do mention your thoughts in the comments section below.
