Menstruation: Environmental impact and need for global health equity

Abstract

SynopsisMenstrual health hygiene equity involves increasing awareness about the global environmental impact of disposable menstrual products and creating equitable opportunity for healthy hygiene products.

Environmental sustainability in obstetrics and gynaecology: A systematic review

“…One narrative review 51 and one personal view 52 non‐systematically reviewed mitigation strategies regarding sustainable practices in obstetric and gynaecological surgery. One editorial explored evidence‐based mitigation strategies regarding menstrual product use 49 . One meta‐analysis 45 and one randomised controlled trial 46 reported on the effectiveness, acceptability and waste of reusable menstrual products.…”

“…Thirteen (77%) of the included studies referred to the environmental impact in terms of global warming 36,38–44,47,48,50–52 In total, five studies (39%) also covered other environmental impact categories such as energy consumption, ozone depletion, ecotoxicity and eutrophication 36,39,41,47,48 . Four studies (24%) reported exclusively on the weights or amount of waste generated 37,45,46,49 …”

“…Menstrual pads and tampons are challenging to recycle and therefore end up either landfilled, incinerated or in water systems if flushed down the toilet. In a landfill, disposable menstrual products are estimated to take 500–800 years to break down 49 . The menstrual cup could be an alternative to disposable menstrual products.…”

Code OB: We need urgent action on climate change and toxic chemicals

“…16 Thus, to address the climate crisis requires rethinking the production, use, and disposal of the components of the healthcare chain-including menstrual products, devices/equipment related to direct patient care ranging from routine to cancer treatments-to rethinking the way hospitals themselves are run. 17 There are many solutions, but all focus on achieving a net zero emissions goal for the healthcare production lifecycle.…”

“…In addition to the carbon footprint related to healthcare energy use and supply chain, health care contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions through the use of anesthetic gases and the propellants in multi‐dose inhalers, both of which can have potent greenhouse gas effects 16 . Thus, to address the climate crisis requires rethinking the production, use, and disposal of the components of the healthcare chain—including menstrual products, devices/equipment related to direct patient care ranging from routine to cancer treatments—to rethinking the way hospitals themselves are run 17 . There are many solutions, but all focus on achieving a net zero emissions goal for the healthcare production lifecycle.…”