Say What About Period Products
Why We Need More Research and Regulation
Menstruators are used to the words toxic shock, UTIs, and thrush, and the vast majority of us take extra care to avoid such illnesses. However, an article by The Economist titled, “Not enough is known about the science of pads and tampons” is making menstruators second guess their knowledge and the safety of period products.
The Reality of Period Discomfort
We are all well aware of the cramping, headaches, and tummy aches that accompany our periods. But did you know there might be a link between these discomforts and the products we use? You might think, “Surely if there was a link, we’d know about it by now?” Well, think again!
The Regulatory Gap
At LU, we’ve dug into the safety and standards of period products and found a troubling lack of information. Menstrual cups and period products aren’t classified as medical devices in the UK, nor are they considered medicine. This regulatory gap means period products slip through the cracks of strict regulations. Most shelf-bought period products contain chemicals to stop odour, additives for absorbency, and bleaching residues. These chemicals come into direct contact with our bodies, absorbing into our most sensitive parts (in our opinion, anyway).
The Call for More Research
More research is needed to understand the relationship between the period products we use and the way our bodies react to them. The Economist article shared insights from the South Korean campaign group, ‘the Korean Women’s Environmental Network,’ which released testimonies from over 3,000 women in 2017 who experienced worsened cramps and considerably less bleeding while using certain pads. Their study revealed that Korea’s ten most popular menstrual pads collectively contained 200 chemicals of concern, including 22 carcinogens.
Global Concerns
The Economist article also highlighted how in Kenya, #MyAlwaysExperience took Twitter by storm as thousands of Kenyans shared that their pads were causing itching, burning, and rashes. Closer to home, in America, hundreds of women have complained about menstrual products over the past decade, reporting rashes, cellulitis, and chemical burns from pads and pantyliners. While the article did not specifically mention the UK, it can be assumed that similar complaints and illnesses occur here as well.
The Need for Better Standards
At LU, we advocate for healthier and happier mental and physical wellbeing and believe there is no better time to demand better period products. Procter & Gamble, owners of Always and Tampax, claim they conduct more than 20,000 tests on their products a year. The real question is, what are they testing products against? In the UK, period products are regulated only by the General Product Safety Regulations of 2005, which vaguely states, “no producer shall place a product on the market unless the product is a safe product.” This clause is open to interpretation, allowing manufacturers to bypass rigorous testing.
The Swedish Initiative
The Swedish Institute for Standards has put forward a proposal to create comprehensive global standards for menstrual products. It’s expected to be published within the next two years to come with the key elements including:
- Establishing Safety Standards: Develop rigorous safety standards for all menstrual products to ensure they are safe for prolonged contact with the vulva and vagina.
- Chemical Testing: Require extensive testing for harmful chemicals, including carcinogens, that could be present in menstrual products.
- Transparency in Ingredients: Mandate full disclosure of all ingredients used in menstrual products to consumers.
- Environmental Impact: Consider the environmental impact of menstrual products, promoting the use of eco-friendly and sustainable materials.
- International Collaboration: Foster international collaboration to ensure these standards are adopted globally, ensuring all menstruators have access to safe period products.
- Consumer Education: Provide education to consumers about the potential risks associated with menstrual products and the importance of using safe products.
But two years is a long time to wait so in the meantime we must take action and make sure women’s health is not brushed under the rug .
Let’s demand better period products and ensure our health is prioritised. Let’s make our periods safer and happier!
