Sanitary Pads: Do sanitary pads really spoil in 800 years? Know how much pollution spreads

After puberty, every girl and woman has to go through periods every month. This is a topic which is now being discussed openly. The market has taken advantage of this problem of women which has been going on for years. There is no dearth of companies selling sanitary pads in the market. Some companies claim not to stain and some promise long durability. In such a situation, do you know how dangerous are these sanitary pads used by women during periods? Let us know in today's report…

This much sanitary pad waste is generated every year in the country.

According to WaterAid India and Menstrual Hygiene Alliance of India (2018), there are 336 million women in India who experience menstruation. If we talk about wastage of sanitary pads in our country, then every year 1200 crore sanitary pads are made in the country which is approximately 1,13,000 tonnes. This garbage has now become a big problem for the whole world. Not only sanitary pads but baby diapers are also emerging as a big problem.

A sanitary pad expires in 800 years?

Renowned companies manufacturing sanitary pads are using plastic on a large scale in them. According to the Central Pollution Control Board report 2018-19, 90% plastic is used in sanitary pads, generating 3.3 lakh tonnes of plastic waste in India every year.

In the year 2021, a shocking report has come out regarding sanitary pads in India. According to a report by an environmental group called 'Toxic Links', this year 1230 crore sanitary pads were thrown in the dustbin. It is worth noting that one sanitary pad causes as much harm to the environment as four plastic bags. Apart from this, if they are buried in the soil, they destroy the micro-organisms present in the soil, which also has a negative impact on the greenery.

Talking about the life of sanitary pads, most sanitary pads are made of gum and super absorbent polymers (SAP), they can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.

Can sanitary pads cause cancer?

According to the 'Menstrual Waste 2022' report released in India, chemicals called phthalates are used in sanitary napkins. This chemical can cause the dangerous disease cancer. Apart from this, it can also cause problems like infertility, PCOD and endometriosis. This can lead to paralysis as well as weakening of memory.