Air pollution and menstruation, accelerating climate action, if not now, then when?

Rakhi Gangwar

A study conducted by researchers from Emory University and Harvard University in the US, published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, has discovered a correlation between childhood exposure to air pollution and the onset of menstruation in girls.

The researchers analyzed data from over 5,200 girls across America and found that those exposed to polluted air during their childhood started menstruating earlier. From a scientific perspective, this early onset of menstruation can increase the girls' risk for diseases such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer later in life.

Audrey Gaskin, an associate professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Emory University and the senior author of the research, commented on the study. She stated that there is a need for further research. However, she suggested that air pollution might influence the course and direction of reproductive development.

When we expand on this topic, it becomes evident that air pollution directly links to climate pollution and changes in climate impact girls' health and childhood. Air pollution increases the atmospheric temperature, leading to global warming and climate change.

Human activities accelerating climate change impacts

Climate change, while a natural process, is being accelerated by human activities. Normally, climate changes occur gradually over many years, but due to human actions such as deforestation and vehicle emissions, the pace of change has increased. The effects of air pollution on our health are becoming increasingly evident.

When it comes to women’s health, particularly during menstruation, it’s clear that not only is menstruation starting at an earlier age, but related health issues are also causing significant distress. Common health issues are often discussed publicly, but menstrual pain, irregularities, anxiety, and cramps are topics that are often left unspoken.

Deepshikha, a teacher, shares her perspective as a woman: “Winter is approaching. The pain during menstruation is more severe in winter due to reduced physical activity which slows down blood circulation. That’s why it’s recommended to consume warm food and drinks during winter. However, thirst decreases in winter and drinking less water can lead to many problems during menstruation. With climate change causing winters to become untimely and intense, menstrual problems also increase. Therefore, slowing down climate change is not just a desire, it’s a necessity.”

A survey has shown that dehydration during menstruation due to increasing heat from climate change can lead to other health issues. It’s crucial to educate girls and women in rural areas about this to prevent them from unknowingly developing serious diseases due to embarrassment or hesitation. The survey revealed that only 10% of rural women use sanitary pads. Using unclean materials during menstruation can lead to infections, highlighting the importance of proper menstrual hygiene.

Menstrual complications hinder girls’ education

Menstrual complications often lead to girls missing school due to embarrassment, lack of clean and private facilities for changing pads, pain, fear of staining, and difficulties in disposing of pads. It’s crucial for women to maintain high standards of hygiene during menstruation and for girls to understand the importance of a balanced diet.

Despite government initiatives promoting cleanliness in schools and rural areas, there is still a lack of awareness in rural communities.

Given that climate change is now impacting girls’ menstrual cycles and potentially their long-term health, it’s vital to include discussions on the role of climate change in menstrual health awareness programs.

It’s our collective responsibility to curb climate change for the sake of a better future for our girls. The time to act is now.

(The author Bareilly is a primary school teacher and runs a private sanitary pad bank to create awareness about menstruation for adolescent girls and women)

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