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O'Brien KM, Wentzensen N, Ogunsina K, Weinberg CR, D'Aloisio AA, Edwards JK, Sandler DP. Intimate Care Products and Incidence of Hormone-Related Cancers: A Quantitative Bias Analysis. J Clin Oncol 2024; 42:2645-2659. [PMID: 38748950 DOI: 10.1200/jco.23.02037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Intimate care products may contain substances associated with increased risk of hormone-related cancers. The relationship between genital talc use and ovarian cancer, in particular, has been well studied, but concerns about recall bias and exposure misclassification have precluded conclusions. We examined the association between intimate care products and female hormone-related cancers, accounting for potential biases, using data from a US-based cohort study. METHODS The Sister Study enrolled 50,884 women who had a sister with breast cancer. Data on genital talc use and douching were collected at enrollment (2003-2009) and follow-up (2017-2019). We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for associations between intimate care product use and breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers. To account for potential exposure misclassification and recall bias, we conducted quantitative bias analyses under various exposure reassignment assumptions. RESULTS Across considered scenarios, 41%-64% of participants douched and 35%-56% used genital talc. In models adjusted for exposure misclassification, genital talc use was positively associated with ovarian cancer (HR range, 1.17-3.34) Frequent douching and douching during young adulthood were positively associated with ovarian cancer, but neither douching nor talc was associated with breast or uterine cancer. Differential reporting of talc use by cases and noncases likely produces positive biases, but correcting for error still resulted in HRs above 1.0. For example, HR, 1.40 (95% CI, 1.04 to 1.89) when 25% of exposed cases and 10% of unexposed noncases had talc status reassigned. CONCLUSION Although results show how differential recall would upwardly bias estimates, corrected results support a positive association between use of intimate care products, including genital talc, and ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie M O'Brien
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Nicolas Wentzensen
- Clinical Genetics Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, MD
| | - Kemi Ogunsina
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Clarice R Weinberg
- Biostatistics and Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Jessie K Edwards
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Dale P Sandler
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC
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Shearston JA, Upson K, Gordon M, Do V, Balac O, Nguyen K, Yan B, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Schilling K. Tampons as a source of exposure to metal(loid)s. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 190:108849. [PMID: 38963987 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 52-86% of people who menstruate in the United States use tampons-cotton and/or rayon/viscose 'plugs'-to absorb menstrual blood in the vagina. Tampons may contain metals from agricultural or manufacturing processes, which could be absorbed by the vagina's highly absorptive tissue, resulting in systemic exposure. To our knowledge, no previous studies have measured metals in tampons. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the concentrations of 16 metal(loid)s in 30 tampons from 14 tampon brands and 18 product lines and compared the concentrations by tampon characteristics. METHODS About 0.2 - 0.3 g from each tampon (n = 60 samples) were microwave-acid digested and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine concentrations of arsenic, barium, calcium, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, mercury, nickel, lead, selenium, strontium, vanadium, and zinc. We compared concentrations by several tampon characteristics (region of purchase, organic material, brand type) using median quantile mixed models. RESULTS We found measurable concentrations of all 16 metals assessed. We detected concentrations of several toxic metals, including elevated mean concentrations of lead (geometric mean [GM] = 120 ng/g), cadmium (GM = 6.74 ng/g), and arsenic (GM = 2.56 ng/g). Metal concentrations differed by region of tampon purchase (US versus European Union/United Kingdom), by organic versus non-organic material, and for store- versus name-brand tampons. Most metals differed by organic status; lead concentrations were higher in non-organic tampons while arsenic was higher in organic tampons. No categoriy had consistently lower concentrations of all or most metals. DISCUSSION Tampon use is a potential source of metal exposure. We detected all 16 metals in at least one sampled tampon, including some toxic metals like lead that has no "safe" exposure level. Future research is needed to replicate our findings and determine whether metals can leach out of tampons and cross the vaginal epithelium into systemic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenni A Shearston
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA; Department of Environmental Science, Policy, & Management and the School of Public Health, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
| | - Kristen Upson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Milo Gordon
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vivian Do
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Olgica Balac
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Khue Nguyen
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
| | - Beizhan Yan
- Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory of Columbia University, Palisades, NY, USA
| | | | - Kathrin Schilling
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
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Marroquin J, Kiomourtzoglou MA, Scranton A, Pollack AZ. Chemicals in menstrual products: A systematic review. BJOG 2024; 131:655-664. [PMID: 37743685 DOI: 10.1111/1471-0528.17668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND From menarche until menopause, the average menstruator will use over 11 000 tampons or sanitary pads. Vaginal and vulvar tissue is highly permeable, and chemicals are absorbed without undergoing first-pass metabolism. OBJECTIVES To conduct a review of the literature to determine exposure to environmental chemicals in menstrual products. SEARCH STRATEGY This review identified 15 papers over the past 10 years. SELECTION CRITERIA Papers that measured chemicals in menstrual products and that measured human biomarkers of chemical exposure were included. Papers had to also be available in English. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Reviewers assessed the articles and data provided. Multiple chemical groups were found. MAIN RESULTS Phthalates, volatile organic compounds, parabens, environmental phenols, fragrance chemicals, dioxins and dioxin-like compounds were detected in menstrual products. Research gaps were identified, including the lack of studies on newer products such as menstrual underwear and cups/discs. In addition to measuring chemicals in these products, future research should focus on clarifying the exposure per menstrual cycle to these chemicals to understand how menorrhagia and cycle length influence exposure from menstrual products. CONCLUSION Menstrual products contained measurable levels of a range of endocrine disrupting chemicals including phthalates, phenols and parabens. This reflects a potentially important route of exposure to chemicals that can impact women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Marroquin
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - Marianthi-Anna Kiomourtzoglou
- Environmental Health Sciences Department, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Anna Z Pollack
- Department of Global and Community Health, College of Public Health, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
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Zota AR, Franklin ET, Weaver EB, Shamasunder B, Williams A, Siegel EL, Dodson RE. Examining differences in menstrual and intimate care product use by race/ethnicity and education among menstruating individuals. FRONTIERS IN REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH 2023; 5:1286920. [PMID: 38126001 PMCID: PMC10731462 DOI: 10.3389/frph.2023.1286920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction United States consumers spend over two billion dollars a year on intimate care products. These products, along with scented menstrual products, are marketed for odor control, perceived "freshness," and vaginal/vulvar cleanliness. However, these scent-altering products may increase exposure to carcinogenic and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Prior research has not adequately characterized demographic differences in product use. The objective of our study is to examine racial/ethnic and educational differences in menstrual and intimate care product use among people who menstruate. Methods We pooled data from two US-based cross sectional studies to examine demographic characteristics and product use in 661 participants aged 18-54 years. Participants reported use of scented and unscented menstrual products (tampons, sanitary pads, and menstrual cups) and intimate care products (vaginal douches, sprays, wipes, and powders). We examined differences by race/ethnicity and education using log-binomial regression and latent class analysis (LCA), which can identify groups based on product use patterns. Results Our sample was 33.4% Black, 30.9% Latina, 18.2% White, and 16.2% another identity. Approximately half the population had a bachelor's degree or more; 1.4% identified as transgender and 1.8% as non-binary. In adjusted models, scent-altering products (i.e., scented menstrual and intimate care products) were more likely to be used by those with less formal education (p < 0.05). Unscented menstrual products were more likely to be used by those with more formal education. Compared to Black participants, White participants were more likely to use unscented tampons and menstrual cups and less likely to use douches and wipes (p < 0.05). Using LCA we identified two groups: one more likely to use scent-altering products, and a second more likely to use unscented menstrual products. Less education and older age, but not race/ethnicity, was significantly associated with membership in the group more likely to use scent-altering products. While sex/gender composition did not statistically vary across groups, all non-binary participants fell in the unscented menstrual product group. Discussion Lower educational attainment was consistently associated with greater use of scent-altering menstrual and intimate care products. Future research should examine associations between body odor stigma, product use, and health risks at intersections of race, class, and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami R. Zota
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Emily B. Weaver
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Departments of Urban and Environmental Policy and Public Health, Occidental College, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | | | - Eva L. Siegel
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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Saini H, Rapolu Y, Razdan K, Nirmala, Sinha VR. Spanlastics: a novel elastic drug delivery system with potential applications via multifarious routes of administration. J Drug Target 2023; 31:999-1012. [PMID: 37926975 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2274805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug delivery systems (DDS) based on nanocarriers are designed to transport therapeutic agents to specific areas of the body where they are required to exhibit pharmacodynamic effect. These agents rely on an appropriate carrier to protect them from rapid degradation or clearance and enhance their concentration in target tissues. Spanlastics, an elastic, deformable surfactant-based nanovesicles have the potential to be used as a drug delivery vehicle for wide array of drug molecules. Spanlastics are formed by the self-association of non-ionic surfactants and edge activators in an aqueous phase and have gained attention as promising drug carriers due to their biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-immunogenic structure. In recent years, numerous scientific journals have published research articles exploring the potential of spanlastics to serve as a DDS for various types of drugs as they offer targeted delivery and regulated release of the drugs. Following brief introduction to spanlastics, their structure and methods of preparation, this review focuses on the delivery of various drugs using spanlastics as a carrier via various routes viz. topical, transdermal, ototopical, ocular, oral and nasal. Work carried out by various researchers by employing spanlastics as a carrier for enhancing therapeutic activity of different moieties has been discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshita Saini
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
- University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, India
| | - Yugendhar Rapolu
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Karan Razdan
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Nirmala
- University School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rayat Bahra University, Mohali, India
| | - Vivek Ranjan Sinha
- University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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Lin N, Ding N, Meza-Wilson E, Devasurendra AM, Godwin C, Park SK, Batterman S. Volatile Organic Compounds in Disposable Diapers and Baby Wipes in the US: A Survey of Products and Health Risks. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:13732-13743. [PMID: 37683294 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.3c02862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Many thousands of diapers are worn by young children and the elderly, who have thin and sensitive skin that is highly vulnerable to chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that may be ingredients of these products or present as inadvertent or residual components. The levels and potential health risks of VOCs in diapers have not been reported previously. In this study, we collected 31 disposable hygiene products in the US market based on market share and analyzed 98 target VOCs using purge and trap sampling and thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometer analysis. Exposures and risks were modeled using reasonable upper level exposure scenarios. Adult diapers contained the highest total target VOC concentration (median level of 23.5 μg/g), and the predominant VOCs were alkanes. In some diapers, the estimated noncancer risk from these VOCs was sometimes very large (hazard quotient of 1609) due to n-heptane. Baby diapers contained several known or suspected carcinogens, including benzene and 1,4-dioxane, and the lifetime cancer risk from some diapers approached 1 per million under a worst-case scenario. Store-brand products had higher levels of VOCs than generic brands, and products labeled "organic" or "for sensitive skin" did not necessarily have lower levels. Our results show that toxic VOCs were found in all tested disposable diapers and wipes at trace levels, and risks from using some diapers in high use exposure scenarios are high enough to warrant additional attention and possibly corrective measures. We recommend eliminating and monitoring toxic ingredients and disclosing all chemicals that may be in these products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Emily Meza-Wilson
- College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Amila Manuradha Devasurendra
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Christopher Godwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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Pontecorvi P, Ceccarelli S, Cece F, Camero S, Lotti LV, Niccolai E, Nannini G, Gerini G, Anastasiadou E, Scialis ES, Romano E, Venneri MA, Amedei A, Angeloni A, Megiorni F, Marchese C. Assessing the Impact of Polyethylene Nano/Microplastic Exposure on Human Vaginal Keratinocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11379. [PMID: 37511139 PMCID: PMC10380279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The global rise of single-use throw-away plastic products has elicited a massive increase in the nano/microplastics (N/MPLs) exposure burden in humans. Recently, it has been demonstrated that disposable period products may release N/MPLs with usage, which represents a potential threat to women's health which has not been scientifically addressed yet. By using polyethyl ene (PE) particles (200 nm to 9 μm), we showed that acute exposure to a high concentration of N/MPLs induced cell toxicity in vaginal keratinocytes after effective cellular uptake, as viability and apoptosis data suggest, along with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations. The internalised N/MPLs altered the expression of junctional and adherence proteins and the organisation of the actin cortex, influencing the level of genes involved in oxidative stress signalling pathways and that of miRNAs related to epithelial barrier function. When the exposure to PE N/MPLs was discontinued or became chronic, cells were able to recover from the negative effects on viability and differentiation/proliferation gene expression in a few days. However, in all cases, PE N/MPL exposure prompted a sustained alteration of DNA methyltransferase and DNA demethylase expression, which might impact epigenetic regulation processes, leading to accelerated cell ageing and inflammation, or the occurrence of malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Pontecorvi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cece
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Camero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Vittoria Lotti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Niccolai
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Nannini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Gerini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Eleni Anastasiadou
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Sofia Scialis
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine and Dentistry, University "G. D'Annunzio" Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Enrico Romano
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Mary Anna Venneri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Megiorni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Marchese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 324, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Zhang T, Kang W, Ge X, Lin Q, Chen Q, Yu Y, An T. Explication on distribution patterns of volatile organic compounds in petro-chemistry and oil refineries of China using a species-transport model and health risk assessment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 863:160707. [PMID: 36493815 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.160707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from industrial emissions have attracted great attention due to their negative effects on human, but there is lack of deterministic air quality model for VOC emissions. In this study, airborne VOCs from a typical petrochemical and oil refinery region, Lanzhou, Gansu province of China, were on-site measured. The regional pollution patterns were investigated using a species transport model and the health risks were evaluated. The spatial distribution of VOCs showed that 87.5 % of the airborne VOCs were benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene having higher concentration (146 μg/m3) in the north direction oil refinery industrial areas. The concentrations of toluene and benzene were as high as 41.5 and 33.3 μg/m3 in the 4 km2 area away from the petrochemical emission source, respectively, and the concentration of o-/m + p-xylene was up to 79.7 μg/m3. Based on the measured concentration data, the numerical results showed that the accumulation of high concentration of VOC species by mass transfer in the region is related to the atmospheric diffusion driven by downward-moving air over the valley areas. Non-carcinogenic risk assessments showed that airborne benzene exposure had acceptable hazard quotient of 0.185 for adults, which was 1.8 times of children's (0.102), whereas it was found that a high carcinogenic risk (>10-4) from benzene in several sampling sites and diffuse distance become significant for carcinogenic risk. This study verified the effectiveness of VOC atmospheric diffusion model through a large number of on-site monitoring data, providing data support for model-based risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- College of Civil Engineering, Liaoning Technical University, Fuxin 123000, PR China
| | - Wei Kang
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Xiang Ge
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Qinhao Lin
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Qiang Chen
- College of Atmospheric Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, PR China
| | - Yingxin Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Taicheng An
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Laboratory for Contaminants Exposure and Health, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Health Risk Control, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Environmental Catalysis and Pollution Control, Key Laboratory of City Cluster Environmental Safety and Green Development, School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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Irnawati I, Idroes R, Akmal M, Suhartono E, Rusyana A, Seriana I. The Effect and Activity of Free Radical Enzymes Due to Arsenic Exposure Through the Vulva and Vagina. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.10306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: Geogenic arsenic is ubiquitous, found in water and soil that is used daily, can be exposed to the female body through the genital organs. The vulva and vagina are open channels that allow toxic agents to enter the internal genitalia and distributed throughout the body.
AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the effects of vaginal arsenic exposure via vulvar immersion and vaginal douching in Rattus norvegicus on the damage of uterus and ovaries through oxidative mechanisms (MDA, SOD, and H₂O₂).
METHODOLOGY: The experimental animals were divided into three treatment groups, i.e., K0 (control group), K1 (group treated with vulvar immersion in 0.8 mg/L arsenic solution), and K2 (group treated with vaginal douching using 0.5-mL of 0.8 mg/L arsenic solution). For each group, the treatment was repeated six times and carried out for fourteen days. Before the study, a seven-day acclimatization period was conducted for adaptation purposes. The experimental animals were euthanized using ketamine xylazine. The uterus and ovaries were collected for MDA, SOD, and H₂O analysis, as well as histopathology examination.
RESULTS: The vaginal douching group had the highest MDA level both on the uterus (210.66±4.92μM) and the ovaries (214.67±2.50 μM). The immersion group also experienced an increase in MDA in the uterus (198.66±3.33μM) and ovaries (206.33± .21μM). However, a higher level of MDA was found in the ovaries. The highest H₂O₂ level was also found in the uterine and ovarian organs in the douching group. In contrast, the lowest SOD levels of uterine and ovarian were identified in the vaginal douching group. Arsenic exposure through vaginal immersion and douching affected the uterine MDA, SOD, and H₂O levels (Ρ<0.05). Arsenic exposure through vaginal douching also affected the ovarian MDA, SOD, and H₂O levels (Ρ<0.05). There was a significant difference in the mean of inflammatory cells (infiltrated neutrophils, macrophages, and lymphocytes) in the uterus and ovaries in the control, immersion, and vaginal douching groups (Ρ<0.05).
CONCLUSION: Exposure to 0.8 mg/L arsenic solution through vulvar immersion and vaginal douching can cause oxidative stress and trigger inflammation of the uterine and ovarian tissue.
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Pal VK, Lee S, Naidu M, Lee C, Kannan K. Occurrence of and dermal exposure to benzene, toluene and styrene found in hand sanitizers from the United States. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 167:107449. [PMID: 35952469 PMCID: PMC9394216 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Human exposure to carcinogenic volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, from hand sanitizers is a topic of current concern. In light of the heavy use of hand sanitizers during the COVID-19 pandemic, determination of exposure to toxicants present in these products deserves attention. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had set an interim limit for benzene in alcohol-based hand sanitizers at 2000 parts-per-billion (ppb). We determined the concentrations of and exposure to three VOCs namely, benzene, toluene and styrene, in 200 hand sanitizers using high-resolution gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC-HRMS). Benzene, toluene and styrene were found in 31%, 25% and 32%, respectively, of the samples analyzed at mean concentrations of 395 (range: 0.181-22,300), 164 (range: 0.074-20,700) and 61.3 ng/g (range: 0.082-4200 ng/g), respectively. Benzene was found at concentrations > 2000 ng/g (above the FDA interim limit) in 5% of the samples, representing 9 brands. The mean potential dermal exposure doses (DEDs) to benzene (children/teenagers: 34.6; adults: 24.7 ng/kg-bw/d) were higher than those for toluene (children/teenagers: 14.4; adults: 10.3 ng/kg-bw/d) and styrene (children/teenagers: 5.37; adults: 3.83 ng/kg-bw/d) in the 200 hand sanitizers analyzed. The estimated cancer risk from exposure to benzene in children/teenagers and adults from hand sanitizer use (at an estimated usage rate of 5 g/day) was greater than the one-in-a-million risk benchmark (1.0 × 10-6) for 10% and 9% of the samples, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to determine both the concentrations of and exposure risks to benzene, toluene and styrene present in hand sanitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vineet Kumar Pal
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Sunmi Lee
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mrudula Naidu
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Conner Lee
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Kurunthachalam Kannan
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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11
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Anand U, Vithanage M, Rajapaksha AU, Dey A, Varjani S, Bontempi E. Inapt management of menstrual hygiene waste (MHW): An urgent global environmental and public health challenge in developed and developing countries. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09859. [PMID: 35815120 PMCID: PMC9260619 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Uttpal Anand
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84105, Israel
| | - Meththika Vithanage
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, CO 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Anushka Upamali Rajapaksha
- Ecosphere Resilience Research Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, CO 10250, Sri Lanka
- Instrument Center, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, 10250, Sri Lanka
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, 86/1 College Street, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Sunita Varjani
- Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Paryavaran Bhavan, CHH Road, Sector 10A, Gandhinagar 382 010, Gujarat, India
| | - Elza Bontempi
- INSTM and Chemistry for Technologies Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze, 38, 25123, Brescia, Italy
- Corresponding author.
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12
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Sustainable Treatment Techniques for Emerging Pollutants—The Case of Personal Hygiene Products. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12136330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Personal care products (PCPs) enter wastewater primarily through greywater. Treatment plants have not been able to remove this type of contaminant, although PCP abatement techniques have been developed in recent years. The objective of the current study has been to encounter the sustainable technique that keeps the optimal balance between the criteria considered in the comparison. Therefore, a bibliographic review was conducted in scientific databases of the last eight years, demonstrating that co-composting, anaerobic–aerobic sequencing bioreactors and contaminant absorption through the use of carbon nanotubes are the ones with the least environmental impact. Subsequently, the Saaty and Modified Saaty methods were applied, with a comparative criteria of construction costs, maintenance costs, efficiency and the stage of development. The results indicated that the co-composting technique is the best sustainable technique of those studied, with a score of 0.86/1, which means that the criteria analyzed maintain very close values between them. The co-composting technique yields a low environmental impact in eliminating personal care products. This research work constitutes a practical and easy-to-use tool for decision makers, since it allows finding an optimal elimination treatment for PCPs.
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13
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Lin N, Zhong L, Godwin C, Batterman S. Be alert for vapor intrusion of 1,4-dioxane from contaminated groundwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 825:153713. [PMID: 35149073 PMCID: PMC9845134 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Vapor intrusion (VI) poses significant environmental problems that can degrade indoor air and pose human health risks. This study focuses on 1,4-dioxane, a widely-used volatile organic compound (VOC) that is found in groundwater, however, this compound has not received much attention in indoor air and measurement methods are not well developed. 1,4-dioxane is sufficiently volatile and highly mobile in groundwater, and thus can present a VI risk. In this study, we develop a sensitive analytical method for quantifying airborne 1,4-dioxane, provide a performance evaluation of the method, and initiate preliminary field measurements above a 1,4-dioxane groundwater plume. The method uses passive sampling, automated thermal desorption, and gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. Numerous other VOCs can be simultaneously measured. A low detection limit (0.067 μg/m3) is attained, which allows quantification at concentrations below health-based guidelines. The performance evaluation suggests limits to sampling times in high humidity environments and other means to ensure good performance. The scenario analyses demonstrate potential impacts from shallow plumes, especially in flooded basements, and thus monitoring of 1,4-dioxane vapor intrusion in the flood season is an urgent need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, PR China.
| | - Lexuan Zhong
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
| | - Christopher Godwin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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14
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Menstrual Products as a Source of Environmental Chemical Exposure: A Review from the Epidemiologic Perspective. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:38-52. [PMID: 35302185 PMCID: PMC9876534 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00331-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Menstrual bleeding is a regular, common occurrence in a substantial portion of the population. Menstruators may use more than 10,000 menstrual products over the lifetime. Given the potential for environmental chemicals in menstrual products to be absorbed by the vulvar and vaginal epithelium into systemic circulation, we reviewed the available data on menstrual products as a source of environmental chemical exposure. RECENT FINDINGS Nearly two dozen studies have been conducted measuring environmental contaminants in menstrual products; all have detected environmental chemicals but had discrepant conclusions on exposure risks. Only three human studies have investigated menstrual product use and environmental chemical concentrations and all observed associations. Detection of environmental chemicals in menstrual products, in combination with challenges of exposure assessment, scarcity of human studies, and the exceedingly common occurrence of menstrual bleeding, motivates the need for further research. We provide recommendations to move this field forward.
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15
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Ding N, Lin N, Batterman S, Park SK. Feminine Hygiene Products and Volatile Organic Compounds in Reproductive-Aged Women Across the Menstrual Cycle: A Longitudinal Pilot Study. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2022; 31:210-218. [PMID: 34491105 PMCID: PMC8864434 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2021.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been detected in feminine hygiene products (FHPs), especially in tampons and sanitary pads. However, little is known about whether menstrual products can contribute to VOC exposure in women. Our objectives were to: (1) examine the variations of urinary VOC concentrations during menstrual cycles; (2) evaluate the relationships between the use of menstrual products and urinary VOC concentrations; and (3) link urinary VOC concentrations to those measured in menstrual products. Methods: We measured urinary concentrations of 98 target VOCs in 25 reproductive-aged women with 100 repeated measures collected between October 2018 and February 2019. First-morning-void urine samples were collected four times for each woman during one menstrual cycle. Urinary VOC concentrations were measured using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Results: Of 98 target VOCs measured in the urine samples, 36 VOCs were detected. We did not see statistically significant variations in VOC concentrations across the menstrual cycle. After multivariable adjustment, tampon users had significantly higher concentrations of 2-butanone (β = 1.58 log ng/g, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.16-3.00, p = 0.03) and methyl isobutyl ketone (β = 0.63 log ng/g, 95% CI: 0.03-1.22, p = 0.04), compared with pad users. Higher n-nonane, benzene, and toluene estimated from menstrual products were associated with higher urinary concentrations in women. Conclusion: The use of FHPs during menses might be a potential source of VOCs. A larger cohort study is warranted to confirm our results and evaluate clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Stuart Batterman
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sung Kyun Park
- Department of Epidemiology and School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Address correspondence to: Sung Kyun Park, ScD, MPH, Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, M5541 SPH II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2029, USA
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16
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Paiva AC, Crucello J, de Aguiar Porto N, Hantao LW. Fundamentals of and recent advances in sorbent-based headspace extractions. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
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17
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Dodson RE, Cardona B, Zota AR, Robinson Flint J, Navarro S, Shamasunder B. Personal care product use among diverse women in California: Taking Stock Study. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2021; 31:487-502. [PMID: 33958707 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-021-00327-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personal care product use may contribute to elevated body burdens of consumer product chemicals among women of color; however, racial/ethnic differences in product use has been understudied. Community-engaged research can support the recruitment of diverse participants. OBJECTIVE To document personal care product use among a diverse group of women (aged 18-34 years) living in California. METHODS Through a community-academic partnership, we surveyed 357 women in California about product use information for 54 cosmetic, hair, menstrual/intimate care, and leave-on and rinse-off personal care products. We compared type and frequency of product use among Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Asian, and White women. We also summarized use of scented products and reasons women select products. RESULTS Women reported using a median of 8 products daily, with some women reporting up to 30 products daily. Hispanic/Latinx and Asian women used more cosmetics, and Black women used more hair and menstrual/intimate products than other women. Of the 54 products compared, there were significant differences in use by race/ethnicity for 28 products, with the largest number of significant differences between Black and White women. SIGNIFICANCE There is growing information on chemical exposures from personal care products and consequent adverse health effects, with implications for health disparities. Yet, there remains limited information on the range and types of products used by diverse racial/ethnic communities. This study helps close an important gap on product use inventories that can enable more informed public health interventions to limit exposures from personal care products.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ami R Zota
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Bhavna Shamasunder
- Occidental College, Urban and Environmental Policy Department, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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18
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Achuthan K, Muthupalani S, Kolil VK, Bist A, Sreesuthan K, Sreedevi A. A novel banana fiber pad for menstrual hygiene in India: a feasibility and acceptability study. BMC Womens Health 2021; 21:129. [PMID: 33771134 PMCID: PMC7995390 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-021-01265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Menstrual hygiene products used by women have evolved in the past several decades with comfort, ease of use and cost driving women's choices. In a country like India, where women form nearly 50% of the population, the sheer volume of periodic menstrual non-biodegradable waste generated has significant environmental implications. With majority of the country hailing from low-middle class backgrounds, observing healthy menstrual hygiene practices with environmentally friendly products necessitates the consideration of affordable and highly sustainable alternatives. Further, during the COVID-19 pandemic, period poverty is higher than ever, causing women to turn to the reusable product market for affordable and long lasting alternatives. Hence, we studied the Feasibility and Acceptability (FA) of a novel banana fiber based menstrual pad (BFP) amongst women living in rural and urban environments. METHODS The quantitative study of FA of the BFP was conducted amongst 155 rural and 216 urban participants in India. For greater authenticity of the FA study, we considered participants who used BFP for more than 4 months (Rural = 111 and Urban = 186) in the study. The survey data included responses from participants from Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. A 22-item survey instrument was developed and validated using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and reliability test (Cronback's [Formula: see text]). Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to analyse the factors that affect the FA of BFP based on the survey responses. In addition to survey analysis, environmental sustainability through [Formula: see text] footprint analysis, microbial load, pH and the ability of the BFP to withstand pressure after absorption were also studied. RESULTS The results indicated high levels of feasibility (rural [Formula: see text], urban [Formula: see text] and acceptability (rural [Formula: see text], urban [Formula: see text]) of BFPs across both participant groups. Comparing key BFP characteristics such as leakage and comfort to participants' prior practices revealed general satisfaction on the performance of BFP, leading to them recommending BFPs to others. User perception on the reasons for their preference of BFP highlighted their concern for environment, health and cost as decisive factors. The microbial load on a 3 year reused BFP was found to be similar to an unused BFP. Regression analysis showed cost as an important indicator for feasibility ([Formula: see text]; 95% CI = 1.083-3.248) and acceptability ([Formula: see text]; 95% CI = 1.203-3.748) amongst rural participants. CONCLUSION Based on feasibility and acceptability results, BFP is a promising consideration as an environmentally sound, non-invasive; yet reusable alternative to fulfil MHM needs in populous countries such as India. Longer term studies in larger samples are necessary to validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnashree Achuthan
- Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India.
- School of Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India.
| | - Sharanya Muthupalani
- Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India
| | - Vysakh Kani Kolil
- Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India
| | - Anju Bist
- Amrita School of Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India
| | - Krishna Sreesuthan
- School of Sustainable Development, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, Kollam, 690 525, India
| | - Aswathy Sreedevi
- Department of Community Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ernakulam, 682 041, India
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