Sanitary Pads and Plastic

Composition:
● TOP SHEET : Non - woven polypropylene/ polyethylene fibres.
The first layer to transfer liquids from top layer to secondary layer to hold the fluids.

● Emollient : woven polypropylene/ polyethylene fibres.

To moisturize skin when using the pad.

● Absorbent Core : Polymeric open - celled foam.

Located between top sheet and middle layer with the purpose of containing the flowing
fluids.

● Backsheet : Low density polyethylene film

Bottom layer of pad and prevents any leakage from escaping sanitary pad.

● Adhesive : Polyaromatic/ polyolefinic block copolymer, hydrocarbon resins, mineral oil.

Glue to keep layers of pad fused together and to attach the pad safely to the
undergarment.

The plastic sources in a typical menstrual pad are:

1) Low density polyethylene film
2) Polymeric open - celled foam
3) Non - woven polypropylene/ polyethylene fibres (although this is better than one time
use plastic, this type of fibres still contains plastic and are non-biodegradable)
4) woven polypropylene/ polyethylene fibres
In turns out, on average, there are ​36g​ of plastic in every packet of period pads. That’s ​2.4g of
plastic per pad​, and 2.5g for the outer pack itself. That’s the equivalent of ​5 plastic carrier
bags per pack​.

Fumes produced by sanitary napkins :

Due to the presence of chlorinated products (for bleaching purposes) in sanitary pads, ​Dioxin,
Furans ​ and ​Trihalomethanes.
Dioxins are a group of highly toxic chemical compounds, known as p ​ ersistent environmental 
pollutants​ (POPs). Dioxins do not break down easily and persists in the environment for many 
years and causes problems with reproduction, development, and the immune system. They can 
also disrupt hormones and lead to cancer.Z 
Trihalomethanes (THMs) are a group of organic chemicals that often occur as a result of 
chlorine treatment. THMs are formed when chlorine reacts with naturally occurring organic 
material (blood, fluids) found in used sanitary pads. ​Trihalomethanes are carcinogens and thus
very dangerous to human health.

Reducing harmful effects of incineration of sanitary pads :

● Smoke can absorb water and becomes less ​buoyant. The moistened smoke becomes 
heavy and tends to settle more easily. This property can be used to increase the 
amount of smoke absorbed by carbon filters inserted in our incinerator by adding 
a layer of damp cloth above the carbon filters and below the ceiling of the 
incinerator. 
● According to WHO, carrying out incineration above or close to 1000 degree 
celcius can lead to a lesser amount of smoke and gases normally produced at 
around 700 - 800 degree celcius.