NEW YORK, Oct 30:
Researchers have found that some women’s feminine hygiene practices like vaginal douching — the practice of washing or flushing the vagina with cosmetic fluids or water — and the use of feminine powder – may be associated with higher levels of potentially cancer causing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their blood.
The study, published in the Journal of Women’s Health, used special biological markers that linked the use of some feminine hygiene products such as tampons, sanitary napkins, sprays, and wipes to VOC exposure.
According to the study, certain VOCs have been associated with acute toxic effects like neurological disorders, and respiratory symptoms, with long-term exposure known to cause cancers and adverse effects on reproductive systems.
The researchers from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. in the US used data on 2432 women from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) during the period of 2001?2004, and self-reported questionnaire data. (PTI)
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