Even in contemporary India, it is not that hundred percent of the women population uses period products like tampons, cups or pads. For Instance, in Bihar less than 60% of the menstruating women use period products. This calls for educating women and men regarding menstruation and menstrual hygiene. 

It is also important to note that of all period products sanitary napkins are the most widely used (62%). Thus first and foremost it is important to note what pads are made of. Beginning with the appearance of pads, they look white, not because of cotton, but dioxin. If one is to observe carefully, cotton has a certain creamy color. Dioxin is used to bleach pads that whitens pads. Perfumes are also sprayed onto sanitary pads to lure customers into buying them and it also requires mention that this period product also has pesticides in them that were used during the cultivation of cotton.

Some of the potential health hazards that pads may bring with them include – ovarian cancer, vaginal allergies, rashes, hormonal dysfunction and even infertility.

Healthier alternatives include using menstrual cups, organic sanitary pads or organic cloth pads.