In many parts of Nepal, Menstrual health issues are rarely discussed. However, due to the spread of knowledge in this regard, the habit of using sanitary pads and adopting health protection measures is developing. According to the 2011 National Domestic Census in Nepal, women in the age group of 15-44 years constitute 47.79 percent, regular menstruation occurs at that age.

What I am trying to talk about here is management of things such as sanitary pads used during menstruation. Most women use sanitary pads (reusable and disposable), dry cloths to manage their menstruation. The majority of user buries or throws used pads with other waste. We usually see used sanitary pads that have been dumped in open spaces, public toilets, rivers or lakes; and burnt.

It is just as dangerous for those who collect garbage as it is for other types of garbage. People who collect garbage can are exposed to such pads, which can be harmful to their health. It takes 500 to 800 years for a sanitary pad to be destroyed in the environment. This is because it uses plastics that are non-biodegradable, meaning that if not properly managed, they can pose a threat to health as well as the environment.Most of the sanitary pads available in the market are made of materials like cellulose, super absorbent polymer which are not easily destroyed, remain in the environment and they continue to pollute the soil and water.

Nowadays there is a trend of giving training and encouraging women to use disposable sanitary pads that are healthy and environment friendly. Using 100% biodegradable components, ecofriendly disposable sanitary pads are being made in some cities of Nepal. Used Sanitary pad pollution is also a problem yet neglected and there should be effective management of the issue. Every citizen should be aware and responsible to solve the problem.

References:

https://www.unicef.org/nepal/sites/unicef.org.nepal/files/2018-07/607531012327148357-analysis-of-menstrual-hygiene-practices-in-nepal.pdf

https://kathmandupost.com/money/2018/06/26/eco-friendly-sanitary-pads-struggle-to-find-market

https://kathmandupost.com/money/2019/05/22/chitwan-company-launches-nepals-first-disposable-eco-sanitary-pads#:~:text=The%20disposable%20eco%20sanitary%20pad%20is%20priced%20at%20Rs100%20for,from%20the%20date%20of%20manufacture.&text=Sabitri%20Bhandari%20chairman%20of%20the%20industry.