Thank you to Ana Santi and the BBC for shining a much needed spotlight on period products in this recent article Pads, pants or cups: Which period product is the most climate-friendly?
We asked our Health Advisor, Helen Lynn to do a deep dive into the issues raised in the article.
Lack of transparency
While Life Cycle Analysis (LCAs) are so important to highlight the impact period products have on our health and the planet. And we are grateful for such dedicated researchers spending time on this much neglected issue. By their own admission the LCAs cannot calculate or consider the many chemical, heavy metals, plastics and pesticides residues which have been found in the products by independent testing.
This is mainly due to lack of transparency about what is actually in our period products but also the fact that many of the residues found are derived from fossil fuels, which have a long trail of health impacts and environmental degradation too numerous to consider. But this doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try and quantify.
Trade marked additives
Increasingly we are seeing many period products like period underwear using synthetic materials and plastic polymers along with additives like biocidal silver, and other technical textiles the impact of which LCAs also don’t or can’t consider. Commercially confidential trade-marked additives and ingredients means we are not allowed to know the full content of our period products.
Cotton
Cotton is the most pesticide intensive crop globally, adversely impacting the health of farmers, especially women farmers, their families and the environment. Organic cotton is grown without the reliance on synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, and improves the financial lives of women farmers, and soil health while reducing health risks and environmental contamination. Because this has not been considered in the LCA – organic cotton pads and tampons are a very important part of the hierarchy of choice for period products both for environmental and also health benefits.
Taking a precautionary approach
While linking health impacts directly to period products use is difficult as acknowledged in this thoughtful piece, we should be taking a precautionary approach when residues of toxic chemicals and metals are found. We already know many have the ability to harm our health, for example the heavy metal lead and ‘forever chemicals’ such as PFAS.
If period products were regulated like cosmetics and personal care products, proper and full labelling would be required and there would be a constant review of ingredients similar to what happens under the cosmetics and reach regulations. This is why we need alignment with the EU on chemicals, health and safety, and consumer products safety. Although the EU doesn’t regulate period products under separate regulations either.
Period education
Health impacts from menstrual cups are very concerning but also point to the increased need for education about how to use, insert and care for them properly. Although these products are available under the UK government free period products schemes there is little education on how to use them correctly.
Heavy metals research paper
In response to the heavy metals research paper last year, organic single use period producers have been publishing testing data on their websites. Every producer should be doing this. Reassurances are not enough anymore.
This is why Wen will continue to focus on the health and environmental aspects of menstruation and call for the urgent need a menstrual health, dignity and sustainability act
