Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products

Park, Chan Jin; Barakat, Radwa; Ulanov, Alexander; Li, Zhong; Lin, Po-Ching; Chiu, Karen; Zhou, Sherry; Pérez, Pablo Ernesto; Lee, Jungyeon; Flaws, Jodi A.; Ko, CheMyong

doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2019.01.005

Cited by 56 publications

(42 citation statements)

References 73 publications

(64 reference statements)

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“…We found that girls dispose of the used sanitary pads improperly by throwing in the garbage, soil and sometimes in the pond. This improper disposal will have a negative impact in our environment [18,19]. Study findings revealed that improper disposal of menstrual waste causes blocked sewer lines, which imposes a financial burden on school authorities and consequently on the government.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…Improper disposal of menstrual wastes also has environmental impacts on soil and water because polyethene plastics in sanitary pads do not biodegrade, and remain in the environment unchanged for many years [17][18][19]. Lack of proper facilities to dispose of menstrual products leads to improper disposal, and in turn clogging of pipes and system failure [20,21].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Piloting an acceptable and feasible menstrual hygiene products disposal system in urban and rural schools in Bangladesh

et al. 2020

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Background Access to washroom facilities and a place to dispose of menstrual waste are prerequisites for optimal menstrual hygiene management in schools. Like other low- and middle-income countries, Bangladeshi schools lack facilities for girls to change and dispose of their menstrual absorbents. We explored existing systems for disposing of menstrual absorbent wastes in urban and rural schools of Bangladesh and assessed the feasibility and acceptability of alternative disposal options. Methods We explored how girls dispose of their menstrual products, identified girls’ preferences and choices for a disposal system and piloted four disposal options in four different schools. We then implemented one preferred option in four additional schools. We explored girls’, teachers’, and janitors’ perspectives and evaluated the acceptability, feasibility, and potential for sustainability of the piloted disposal system. Results Barriers to optimal menstrual hygiene management included lack of functional toilets and private locations for changing menstrual products, and limited options for disposal. Girls, teachers, and janitors preferred and ranked the chute disposal system as their first choice, because it has large capacity (765 L), is relatively durable, requires less maintenance, and will take longer time to fill. During implementation of the chute disposal system in four schools, girls, teachers, and janitors reported positive changes in toilet cleanliness and menstrual products disposal resulting from the intervention. Conclusions The chute disposal system for menstrual products is a durable option that does not require frequent emptying or regular maintenance, and is accepted by schoolgirls and janitors alike, and can improve conditions for menstrual hygiene management in schools. However, regular supervision, motivation of girls to correctly dispose of their products, and a long-term maintenance and management plan for the system are necessary.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Piloting an acceptable and feasible menstrual hygiene products disposal system in urban and rural schools in Bangladesh

et al. 2020

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“…12,13 No previous study has examined associations between the use of FHPs and population exposure to VOCs. With greater awareness of these chemicals in consumer products, 14 the unique characteristic of the vaginal region that can result in very high rates of chemical uptake, 15,16 and the potential for health disparities among various groups of women through the culturally influenced use of these products, it is important to investigate the chemical exposure from these commonly used products, especially among reproductiveaged women.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Use of Feminine Hygiene Products Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the United States

Ding

Batterman

Park

2020

Journal of Women's Health

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Background: Feminine hygiene products (FHPs) are personal care products widely used by women. A few studies have detected some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in FHPs, but no previous epidemiological studies have linked use of these products to human exposure to VOCs using biomarkers. Therefore, we evaluated whether the use of FHPs was associated with VOC exposures among reproductive-aged women in the United States. Materials and Methods: Data on 2432 women aged 20-49 years from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2001-2004 were utilized. Self-reported use of feminine products (tampons, sanitary napkins, vaginal douches, sprays, powders, wipes/towelettes, and other products) was obtained from questionnaires. Survey-weighted linear regression models were used to estimate percent changes in VOC whole blood concentrations and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: Black women had significantly more use of vaginal douching and significantly higher whole blood concentrations of 1,4-dichlorobenzene (DCB) (p < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, we observed a dose-response relationship between the frequency of vaginal douching in the past 6 months and 1,4-DCB concentrations. Compared with never users, women with occasional use (£1 time/month) of vaginal douching had 18% (95% CI:-12% to 59%) higher concentrations, and those with frequent use (‡2 time/month) had 81% (95% CI: 2% to 221%) higher concentrations of 1,4-DCB (p for trend = 0.04). Use of feminine powder in the past month was significantly associated with 36% (95% CI: 0.4% to 83%) higher concentrations of ethylbenzene. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that differences in whole blood VOC concentrations might be explained by feminine hygiene practices. The presence of environmental chemicals in FHPs warrants further examination.

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“…Makeup application and allergic reactions can cause significant eye injuries, and it's important to recognize what to avoid. plastic products, potentially posing risks to women (them likely causing menstrual irregularities) and children who use [27] . Diazolidinyl urea and imidazolidinyl urea are known formaldehyde releasers.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Cosmetics’ Safety: Gray Areas with Darker Inside

Mohiuddin

Road²

2019

Journal of Dermatological Research

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Cosmetics and personal care products are ubiquitous. Currently, an increasing number of compounds are being assimilated in the and to various types of chemicals, got from a few sources, may cause the alleged "cocktail effect" because of the synergistic interaction of various substances and, likewise, the "added substance effect" in light of the nearness of a similar ingredient in numerous items. Actually, every one of the ingredients utilized in cosmetic items meet certain regulatory prerequisites. Notwithstanding, the utilization of numerous substances is permitted inside specific limits, because of their toxicity at higher concentrations.

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Sanitary pads and diapers contain higher phthalate contents than those in common commercial plastic products

Cited by 56 publications

References 73 publications

Piloting an acceptable and feasible menstrual hygiene products disposal system in urban and rural schools in Bangladesh

Piloting an acceptable and feasible menstrual hygiene products disposal system in urban and rural schools in Bangladesh

Exposure to Volatile Organic Compounds and Use of Feminine Hygiene Products Among Reproductive-Aged Women in the United States

Cosmetics’ Safety: Gray Areas with Darker Inside

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