Sanitary Pads Contain Cancer, infertility Causing Chemicals

A piece of bad news has come up at a time when sanitary napkin use is being promoted in India to enhance menstrual health among women. A recent study has revealed that sanitary pads sold in India contain cancer and infertility-causing chemicals. This is alarming as at present three fourth of teenage girls use sanitary napkins in our country.

This shocking information has come from a study made by an environmental NGO named Toxics Links. According to the study, Indian sanitary napkins contain harmful chemicals like carcinogens, reproductive toxins, endocrine disruptors, and allergens.

The NGO that made this study is part of the International Pollutants Elimination Network. According to a report in India Today, this organization tested ten brands of sanitary pads during its study.

Sanitary pads were found to be containing phthalates and volatile organic compounds. Both these chemicals can lead to the formation of cancerous cells. In several European countries, the presence of certain phthalates is totally restricted.
The harmful chemicals present in sanitary pads can be easily absorbed into a woman’s body.

It is for the first time that the presence of harmful chemicals, including carcinogens in sanitary pads has been reported in India. It is feared that this information may put a check on the rising use of sanitary napkins in the country.
According to the latest National Family Health Survey, nearly 64 per cent of women aged 15-24 years use sanitary pads in India.