Why should you stop using plastic pads?

A woman, since the time she hits puberty to the time she reaches menopause, goes through about four hundred and fifty menstrual cycles! Now imagine, if all women use plastic pads, that is 450 times we are contributing to the accumulation plastic waste and making our bodies susceptible to health hazards like organ damage, ovarian cancer, infertility etc. Terrifying right? I’m sure you would want to know more about the harmful impacts of using a plastic pad and why you should switch to a biodegradable one. Read on for more. 

Major Danger – Plastic pads

We all know how harmful plastic is for the environment, but do we also know how damaging it is for our bodies? Plastic causes numerous problems in the human body. It is a slow poison! It will slowly degrade the quality of your body, and you will not be able to figure out what caused the damage. But don’t worry, we have listed down ways in which plastic pads can harm your health. 

#1 – DIOXIN

Often pads are bleached using a chemical called Dioxin to give them a whiter appearance. Why do companies do that you may ask? They do so because a whiter pad makes the user feel like they are using something clean and fresh. 

Long term exposure to Dioxin can lead to darkening of the skin and altered liver function. Now, on average, a woman uses six thousand pads in her lifetime, which means, exposure to a lot of Dioxin. This can cause severe issues like diabetes, Immune system damage, Hormonal imbalance, ovarian cancer etc. 

#2 – PRONE TO BACTERIAL GROWTH

Pads are made of synthetic material which can trap wetness. This becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria causing Toxic Shock Syndrome, yeast infections, itching and other infections. 

Toxic shock syndrome is an extremely rare but fatal disease which results in a dropped blood pressure, thereby limiting the amount of oxygen reaching our organs. Prolonged use of pads and not changing them often can encourage the growth of bacteria. 

#3 – INFERTILITY AND BIRTH DEFECTS

Most pads contain fragrance and odour neutralising chemicals which can lead to complications during embryonic development of your baby. It can also cause other problems like yeast infections, itching, rashes etc. 

#4 – CANCER

Yes! Plastic pads can cause cancer. Every time you use these chemically treated pads; you are exposing yourself to these damaging chemicals. 

Pads are not purely made of cotton; instead, they use cellulose gel in absorbent pads which can lead to cancer. Also, the plasticisers used to make plastic can actually cause organ damage and complicate embryonic development!  

What is the alternative? Don’t worry. You can use biodegradable organic pads instead. 

 

Biodegradable organic pads are made from natural materials like cotton, cellulose and bamboo, which are free of any harmful chemicals. Biodegradable pads are not only good for the environment, but they also have several other advantages like: 

#1 – Plastic and chemical-free

Choosing a plastic and chemical-free product solves half your health problems like infections, organ damage, infertility and susceptibility to cancer as discussed above. 

#2 – Hygienic 

Since these pads are made of absorbent cellulose core, it keeps you dry. Hence, bacterial growth is not encouraged, and neither does your skin react. 

#3 – No dioxin

Biodegradable organic pads are not bleached, nor do they use the polymer absorbent which plastic pads do. Therefore, there is no chance of complications due to Dioxin. 

#4 – Eco-friendly

Plastic waste management and disposal is a problem faced by the whole world. By using biodegradable pads, which decompose within two years, you are ensuring that the plastic waste from menstrual products is minimised and you are contributing towards a cleaner, greener Earth. 

Plastic pads lead to serious damage to your body. It is best to switch to organic, biodegradable pads and liners for your period and vaginal hygiene needs. 

Let’s say no to plastics and stay safe and healthy!

 

By

Nt. Heena Gupta