Understanding What’s in Your Menstrual Products: An In-depth Look at Composition, Health Impacts, and Sustainable Alternatives

While menstruation is a natural part of life for millions, the composition of menstrual products like pads and tampons often remains shrouded in mystery. This comprehensive examination aims to unravel the materials used in these products, highlight potential health risks, and explore sustainable alternatives that promote both personal and environmental health.

Composition of Menstrual Products

Plastics: Predominantly found in pads, plastics such as polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyester can comprise up to 90% of the product. These are used for their waterproof properties and flexibility but pose significant environmental risks due to their non-biodegradable nature.

Cotton: Widely used in tampons, cotton is favored for its absorbency and softness. However, the majority of cotton used is non-organic, treated with pesticides and herbicides that not only harm the environment but may leave residue that poses health risks.

Rayon: This semi-synthetic fiber, derived from cellulose, is valued for its high absorbency and smooth texture, making it common in tampons. Yet, its association with Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), particularly in higher absorbency products, raises concerns about its safety.

Chemical Additives

Beyond the basic materials, menstrual products often contain a range of additives:

• Fragrances and Dyes: Added for aesthetic reasons, these chemicals can disrupt the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome and cause irritation or allergic reactions.
• Plasticizers (e.g., Phthalates): Used to make plastics flexible, these chemicals are potential endocrine disruptors, which can interfere with hormonal health.
• Adhesives: Found on the back of pads to ensure they stay in place, these can also irritate the skin.

Hidden Dangers

• Dioxins: Produced during the bleaching process of cotton and other fibers, dioxins are known carcinogens and may affect reproductive and immune systems.
• Pesticide Residues: With cotton cultivation consuming approximately 25% of the world’s insecticides, residues can remain on cotton used in tampons, posing serious health risks.

Transparency and Regulation Issues

• Lack of Disclosure: There is no mandatory requirement for manufacturers to list all ingredients used in menstrual products, leaving consumers uninformed about potential exposure to harmful chemicals.

• Inadequate Regulation: In many regions, including the EU, menstrual products are regulated merely as general consumer products rather than medical devices, which allows for less stringent safety standards.

Environmental and Health Impact

• Environmental Burden: Non-biodegradable components of menstrual products contribute to massive environmental waste, filling landfills and polluting oceans.
• Health Concerns: Continuous exposure to the chemicals in these products can lead to health issues including hormone disruption, reproductive problems, and increased cancer risk.

Sustainable and Healthier Alternatives

Reusable Options

• Menstrual Cups: These silicone-based products offer a reusable, waste-reducing alternative to traditional tampons and pads. They can be used for up to 12 hours and last several years with proper care.
• Washable Menstrual Pads: Made from materials like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo, these pads can be reused and are often more breathable than disposable versions.
• Menstrual Underwear: Incorporating absorbent layers, these products provide leak-proof protection and can be washed and reused, significantly reducing waste.

Organic and Chemical-Free Products

• Organic Cotton Tampons and Pads: Free from the pesticides and chemicals used in conventional cotton cultivation, these products offer a safer and more sustainable alternative.

Call to Action: A Push for Change

• Educational Outreach: Raising awareness about the content and impact of menstrual products is crucial for informed consumer choices.
• Regulatory Change: Advocating for stricter regulations and transparency in the menstrual product industry is essential for ensuring safer products.
• Supporting Sustainable Products: Encouraging the development and use of sustainable menstrual products can lead to significant reductions in both health risks and environmental impact.

The journey toward safer and more environmentally friendly menstrual products is crucial for the well-being of individuals and the planet. By choosing sustainable alternatives and advocating for transparency and stricter regulations, consumers can make a substantial positive impact.

To learn more visit: ToxicFreePeriods-lowres.pdf (wecf.org)