Problem
Inadequate disposal of female sanitary protection
Other Names:
Disposal of tampons into sewerage systemImproper flushing of disposable menstrual products and nappies into sewer
Nature:
Disposable pads and tampons used by menstruating women (and disposable nappies) can take years to biodegrade. Many women are unaware that, in many situations, flushing their menstrual waste products into the sewerage system means sending it untreated directly to the sea, endangering marine life, polluting the beaches and spoiling coastal recreational activities, like surfing. They also clog up sewers and cause extra costs for sewage treatment plants which intercept them.
Incidence:
66% of the 13.4 million menstruating women in the UK in 1993 flush their sanitary pads or tampons down the toilet. 88% of UK coastal outfalls discharge untreated or only coarsely screened sewage.
Broader Problems:
Unsanitary refuse disposalDumping of consumer waste productsDischarge of dangerous substances into sewage systems Related Problems:
Improper disposal of food wastesInadequate disposal of hospital waste Aggravates:
Organic wastesDomestic pollutionInadequate toilet facilitiesUnhygienic recreational contact with sewage Subject(s):
→ SystemsIndustry → Products
Medicine → Reproductive system
Societal Problems → Disposables
Societal Problems → Effluent
Societal Problems → Hygiene
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Societal Problems → Protection
Societal Problems → Waste
Society → Women
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
E: Emanations of other problems Date of last update
04.01.2021 – 18:21 CET