Introduction

• India’s menstrual hygiene market is projected to reach ₹6,000 crore by 2026.

• Sanitary pads are increasingly marketed as lifestyle commodities, emphasizing “ultra-comfort”, “leak-lock”, and “odour control”.

• Despite branding as symbols of empowerment, these products pose risks to health, environment, and financial wellbeing.

Health Risks of Sanitary Pads

Chemical Composition

• Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs): Petroleum-based; may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

• Chlorine-bleached pulp: Produces dioxins, linked to endocrine disruption and cancer.

• Synthetic fragrances: Contain VOCs like benzene and toluene, causing respiratory and hormonal toxicity.

Mode of Exposure

• Vaginal tissue is permeable, allowing chemicals to enter the bloodstream.

• Consumer awareness of these risks is low, with branding often mistaken for safety.

Environmental Impact

Scale of Waste

• India generates 12.3 billion used pads annually, over 113,000 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste.

• Pads are 90% plastic, taking 500–800 years to decompose.

Hazards in Disposal

• Sanitation workers, often from marginalized communities, face exposure to pathogens and toxic fumes.

• Low-temperature burning in rural areas releases dioxins and furans, which are more harmful than the waste itself.

Sustainability Concerns

• The disposal of sanitary pads conflicts with SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production.

Socio-Economic Dimensions

Affordability & Period Poverty

• Premium pads cost up to 35% more than generic options.

• Government schemes (Suvidha, Menstrual Hygiene Scheme) are inadequate in coverage.

• Unsafe alternatives like cloth, ash, or newspapers are still used, risking infections and reproductive complications.

Impact on Education & Employment

• High costs and poor access affect school and work attendance, reinforcing gender inequities.

Sustainable Alternatives

Eco-Friendly Options

• Menstrual cups: Medical-grade silicone; last up to 10 years.

• Reusable cloth pads: Washable, durable, cost-effective.

• Biodegradable pads: Made from banana fibre, bamboo, or corn starch.

Barriers to Adoption

• Social stigma and menstrual taboos.

• Lack of drying space, water scarcity, and cost barriers.

• Low government support for awareness campaigns and subsidies.

Regulatory Landscape

Recent Developments

• Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023: BIS licensing mandatory, covering dermatological safety, chemical residues, and microbial load.

Challenges in Implementation

• Exemption for self-help groups weakens safety standards.

• Ingredient disclosure is not mandatory, keeping consumers unaware of chemical contents.

• Certification without transparency perpetuates the illusion of safety.

Way Forward: Policy Recommendations

• Stronger regulation: Mandatory ingredient disclosure for all sanitary products.

• Waste governance: Treat pads as biohazard waste; safe collection and disposal.

• Public investment: Promote sustainable alternatives via subsidies and awareness campaigns.

• Menstrual literacy: Integrate into school curriculum to reduce stigma and improve health outcomes.

Conclusion

• Menstrual hygiene products should prioritize safety, dignity, and environmental sustainability over branding.

• Achieving true menstrual equity requires coordinated efforts in regulation, education, and infrastructure.

For classes, materials, test series and mentorship – contact us at +91 6366-294954