World Menstrual Hygiene Day: Chemistry in Menstrual Hygiene

A paper delivered at the World Menstrual Hygiene Day with the collaboration of Foundation for Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND) and Women in Chemistry (WIC) of Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta Chapter.

1. World Menstrual Hygiene Day © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

2. May 2017 with the collaboration of Foundation for Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND) and Women in Chemistry (WIC ) of Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), Delta Chapter © Dr D.F. Ogeleka Chemistry in Menstrual Hygiene A paper delivered at the World Menstrual Hygiene Day

3. Presenter Personal Data: Dr. (Mrs.) Doris F Ogeleka (MCSN, MICCON, MNES, MWASOT, MWAMASON, MCIWM) Analytical and Environmental Chemist © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

4. Outline S/N Modules Components 1 Introduction Women in Chemistry (WIC), objectives, relevance and professionalism 2 Menstrual hygiene Meaning and importance Chemistry in action Items used during menstruation 3 Items: importance and components for production Soap, sanitary towels, Pants, Drugs, sanitizers, perfumes, disinfectants and water 4 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Goals related to Menstrual hygiene 1, 4, 5, 6 & 17 5 Conclusion 6 References 7 Questions © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

5. Introduction Women in Chemistry (WIC), an arm of the Chemical Society of Nigeria (CSN), a non-Governmental Organization (NGO), is a body of professional Chemists. Objectives: Promoting Professionalism in Chemistry through Women's Forum and Chemical activities Using Chemistry to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ) pertaining to women. Enlightenment in Career building for Chemistry women Building the Nation through problem solving of some specific challenges using Chemistry. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

6. Introduction cont’d Menstrual hygiene day ( MHD or MH Day ) is an annual awareness day, on 28 May, that aims to break taboos and raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene management. Menstruation: Menstruation is a woman's monthly bleeding. Most normal menstrual periods last from 3 to 5 days . Menstrual cycle provides important body chemicals, called hormones, to keep you healthy. A cycle is counted from the first day of 1 period to the first day of the next period. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

7. Introduction cont’d The silence around menstruation, lack of access to sanitation facilities and hygienic absorbents directly affect women’s and adolescent girls’ self-esteem, health and education. School attendance: 1 in 10 girls in Africa miss school during menses (UNESCO). Access to hygiene products: In India, up to 80% of girls use old cloths as absorbents. Health: Vaginal infections are 70% more likely when using unhygienic materials. Stigmatization and insecurity: In rural communities, women and girls are forced to sleep in separate sheds while menstruating. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

8. Chemistry in Action © Dr D.F. Ogeleka Most of the items used during menstruation are products of Chemistry

9. Items used during Menstruation Soap, sanitary towels, tissue papers, cotton wool, panty liners , period panties , perfumes, sanitizers , disinfectants and drugs , are all made by Chemists Although water is from nature , it has chemical composition © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

10. Soap Soap is produced by the saponification (hydrolysis) of a triglyceride (fat or oil). In this process the triglyceride is reacted with a strong base such as sodium or potassium hydroxide to produce glycerol and fatty acid salts. 3NaOH + (C 17 H 35 COO)3C 3 H 5 -> 3C 17 H 35 COONa + C 3 H 5 (OH) 3 Caustic soda + Glyceryl stearate → Sodium stearate soap + Glycerol Examples of fatty acids: coconut oil, palm oil, tallow (beef fat), or lard (pork, bacon fat ) . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

11. Chemistry of Soap © Dr D.F. Ogeleka H ydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules of soap

12. Soap cont’d Each soap molecule has a long hydrocarbon chain, called its 'tail‘ (hydrophobic - oil-seeking), with a carboxylate 'head ‘ ( hydrophilic - water-seeking). Soap is an excellent cleanser because of its ability to act as an emulsifying agent. An emulsifier is capable of dispersing one liquid into another immiscible liquid. This means that while oil (which attracts dirt) does not naturally mix with water, soap can suspend oil/dirt in such a way that it can be removed . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

13. Types of Soap Solid – Bar – toilet, antiseptic or medicated (e.g. Joy, Lux, Dettol, Premier etc Liquid - wash liquid (e.g. morning fresh, bath soap, hand wash, shampoo etc. Flakes – Detergents (e.g. Persil, Palmolive, Lux etc Powdered – Detergent (e.g. Omo , sunlight, Waw , Ariel etc © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

14. Sanitary Materials Sanitary towels / pads / period panties Tampons Tissue paper Cotton wool © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

15. Sanitary Towels / Pads Sanitary towel is a piece of soft material worn by a woman to absorb blood during her period each month. Until disposable sanitary pads were created, cloth or reusable pads were used to collect menstrual blood. Women often used a variety of home-made menstrual pads which they crafted from various fabrics, or other absorbent materials, to collect menstrual blood. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

16. Items in Sanitary Towels 100% organic cotton pad Sphagnum; can accumulate liquid or water up to 16–26 times its dry weight Undisclosed ingredients (Infinicel ): Always infinity contains foam and a patented ingredient called Infinicel — a highly absorbent material that can hold up to 10 times its weight Polyacrylate superabsorbent gel derived from petroleum Polypropylene Polyethylene Chlorine-bleached wood pulp or recycled paper . Gauze Adhesive (gum) O dour neutralizers and fragrances . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

17. Sanitary Towels © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

18. Tampons A plug of soft material inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual blood Conventional tampons may also contain dioxins, synthetic fibers and petrochemical additives Tampons can react with bacteria in your body to create the ideal environment for bacteria to flourish, triggering potentially fatal toxic shock syndrome (TSS ). © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

19. Tampons © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

20. Tissue Paper Sanitary papers include: toilet paper , paper towels, napkins, and facial tissues. Tissue paper is used for bathroom hygiene, wiping up spills and small bathroom cleaning chores amongst others. Toilet paper can be one-or two-ply, meaning that it is either a single sheet or two sheets placed back-to-back to make it builder and more absorbent. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

21. Items for making tissue paper Toilet paper is a combination of 70 % hardwood (e.g. gum, maple and oak - make softer paper ) and 30% softwood (e.g. Southern pines and Douglas firs - gives paper strength). Tissue papers are made from various proportions of bleached kraft pulps, making them soft, bulky, and absorbent. Colour , fragrances and embossing may also be added. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

22. Cotton wool Cotton wool is made of raw cotton that has been purified. M eaning that seeds and extraneous matter have been removed and it is then sterilized to make it clean. The texture is very silky, soft and is considered the most natural state of cotton, making it suitable for use in medical care . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

23. Period panties One crucial element in your feminine hygiene repertoire is period panties. It is made of a layer of special fabrics designed to pull blood or liquid away from the body, and trap it inside the underwear so it does not leak out. Most of them provide leak-proof protection ; some can actually be worn instead of a pad or tampon . Few brands offer panties with a kangaroo pocket in the front where you can place a heating pad to help with cramps . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

24. Period panties © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

25. Perfumes and Deodorizers Perfumes and fragrance: True perfumes are defined as extracts or essences and contain a percentage of oil distilled in alcohol or water. There are two types of perfumes ( " eau de toilette" - toilet water) and cologne . Colognes contain approximately 3-5% oil diluted in 80-90% alcohol, with water making up about 10%. Toilet water has the least amount—2% oil in 60-80% alcohol and 20% water. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

26. Homemade Perfume Ingredients Quantity Methanol = 450 mL Ethanol = 400 mL Perfume oil = 150 mL Procedure: Pour in ethanol in a container. Add methanol and mix or homogenize. Add oil and shake vigorously. Fill into bottles / containers. Ensure bottle / containers are covered very tightly in order to prevent escape of the fragrance. It is ready for use after a week of aging. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

27. Sanitizers Sanitizer is a substance or preparation for killing germs. Sanitizers made of ethyl alcohol can kill 99.99% of common germs (bacteria , fungi, and viruses - microorganisms) that may cause illness in a few seconds . Its active ingredient is ethanol (70% w/w ). Hand sanitizer of the alcohol-based type is preferable to hand washing with soap and water ] It is generally more effective at killing microorganisms and better tolerated than soap and water. Available as liquids, gels, and foams . Alcohol-based versions typically contain some combination of isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, or n -propanol. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

28. Sanitizers © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

29. Homemade Hand Sanitizer Ingredients 79 mL aloe vera gel 158 mL of 99% rubbing alcohol ( is either isopropyl alcohol (IPA)– propan-2-ol) or ethanol based liquids ) 10 drops essential oil ( such as lavender, vanilla, peppermint, grapefruit, cinnamon or sweet orange) ( optional) 30 mL glycerin (optional) (if omitted, use an extra 30 mL aloe vera gel ). This prevents drying of the skin. Procedure Pour everything into a blender and blend for a minute or two. Bottle and use as hand sanitizer. Keep for 6 months or more . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

30. Douche A douche is a small device, which introduces a stream of water into a body cavity that needs to be cleaned. Douche ” is a French word for bathe , soak or to clean out . Although douching was once a common practice, it has fallen out of popular use in recent years. Studies show that douching could cause bacterial infections, making it a less-than-perfect cleaning method. Wash the outside of your vagina as an alternative to douching. Also you can g et into the shower or bathtub and use disinfectants . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

31. Homemade Douche A solution of boric acid is found to be effective as a douche against fungal and bacterial infections. Dissolve a teaspoonful of boric acid in about half a liter (500 mL) of water and irrigate the vaginal area with the solution from a douche bottle . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

32. Disinfectants Disinfectants are chemical substances used to destroy viruses and microbes (germs) , such as bacteria and fungi, as opposed to an antiseptic which can prevent the growth and reproduction of various microorganisms, but does not destroy them. Common household bleach is a sodium or calcium hypochlorite solution used to disinfect bathtub, toilets, and other surfaces . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

33. Dettol © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

34. Uses of Dettol Dettol provides all-round family protection against germs. First aid:  antiseptic wound cleaning for cuts, grazes, bites and stings Personal hygiene:  add to bathing water to kill germs. Can be used to treat pimples and dandruff Household cleaning: on hard surfaces to disinfect and kill germs around the home. Laundry:  add to laundry to kill germs © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

35. Home made disinfectant 1. Rubbing alcohol spray Combine one part water (500 mL) and one part rubbing alcohol (500 mL) in a spray bottle and shake to mix up the two ingredients. Pour into a stray can and use as disinfectant. Rubbing alcohol is a highly effective disinfectant © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

36. Home made disinfectant 2 . H erbal rubbing alcohol spray Pour 10-30 drops of thyme essential oil or another essential oil of your choice into a 236.58 mL glass spray bottle. Add 29.57 mL of rubbing alcohol, then fill the spray bottle up to the mark with water. Shake to mix the ingredients. U se as disinfectant. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

37. Drugs Pain relievers Pain relievers. Your doctor may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve ), paracetamol - based drugs, at regular doses starting on the day before you expect your period to begin. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

38. Homemade Pain Relieving Cream Ingredients : 119 mL Coconut Oil 2 teaspoons Beeswax pellets 2 teaspoons Camphor crystals or 5 drops Camphor oil 2 teaspoons Menthol crystals or 5 drops Peppermint oil 5 drops Eucalyptus oil © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

39. Homemade Pain Relieving Cream Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together in a bowl over low heat for a minute or two and then turned off the burner. Stir until melted. Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then add the camphor crystals or oil, the menthol crystals or oil, and the eucalyptus oil. Put in a container and allow to cool completely. When it is completely cooled it will solidify © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

40. Water Comprising over 70% of the Earth’s surface, water is undoubtedly the most precious natural resource that exists on our planet.  Water, commonly called ‘aqua’ Water exists in three states: solid ( ice ), liquid and (invisible) water vapour in the air. Without the seemingly invaluable compound comprising of hydrogen and oxygen, with the c hemical symbol (H 2 O), life on Earth would be non-existent .

41. Water Quality Parameters Organolipitic : Odour, colour, taste etc. Organics: Oil and grease, Total hydrocarbon content (THC), poly chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) etc. Gross Organics: Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), permanganate value (PV) etc. Inorganics: light and heavy metals (calcium (ca), magnesium (mg), cadmium ( cd ), copper (cu) etc. Physico-chemical: pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), h ardness, chloride, alkalinity, phosphate, nitrate, sulphate etc.

42. Water Quality Water quality is the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water, w hich could be affected by nature and anthropogenic sources . The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to drinking water, safety of human contact and health include: World Health Organisation ( WHO ), Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR ), Federal Ministry of Environment ( FME ), Nigerian Industrial Standard ( NIS ), United State Environmental Protection Agency ( USEPA ), European Union ( EU ).

43. Ground water Ninety-five percent (95%) of all fresh water on earth is ground water.  Ground water is found in natural rock formations.  These formations, called aquifers, are a vital natural resource with many uses.  Ground water quality range from good to excellent, but many local areas have experienced significant ground water contamination due to leaking underground storage tanks, sewage infiltration and municipal landfills.

44. Parameters WHO’s Max Acceptable Limits WHO’s Max Allowable Limits pH 6.5 – 8.5 5.5 – 8.5 Temperature, o C N/A N/A Turbidity, NTU 5.00 N/A Colour, PtCo Units Colourless Colourless Salinity, mg/L 250 250 Total Alkalinity, mg/L 500 500 Total Hardness, mg CaCO 3 / lL 500 500 Nitrate, mg/L N/A 10.0 Sulphate, mg/L 200 500 Carbonate/Bicarbonate, mg/L 500 500 Sulphide, mg/L No smell No smell Sodium, mg/L 200 N/A Calcium, mg/L 750 200 Iron, mg/L N/A 1.00 Total Coliform , MPN & E. Coli Nil Nil World Health Organisation Standard for Potable Water Quality

45. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs ) related to Menstrual hygiene 1, 4, 5, 6 & 17 SDG 1 . End Poverty SDG 2 . Zero hunger SDG 3 . Equal well being SDG 4 . Equal Education SDG 5 . Gender equality SDG 6 . Water and Sanitation for all SDG 7 . Affordable and sustainable energy SDG 8 . Decent work for all SDG 9 . Technology to benefit all (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) SDG 10 . Reduce inequality SDG 11 . Safe cities and communities SDG 12 . Responsible consumption by all SDG 13 . Stop climate change SDG 14 . Protect the ocean (Life Below Water) SDG 15 . Take care of the Earth SDG 16 . Live in peace SDG 17 . Mechanisms and Partnerships to reach the goals © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

46. We need to care for our bodies Menstruation leads to ovulation, which results in procreation if mating occurs. Without this there will be no birth and if no birth no future generations So, treat your body as your neighbour – God said ‘LOVE your neighbour as yourself’ Persons not attending to their bodies are prone to sickness and diseases, because they fail to realize that it is: One body they have One life to live You cannot borrow another persons’ body…….. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

47. Conclusion In conclusion, chemistry has a great role to play in women’s menstrual hygiene since most of the items used if not ALL are made by Chemists . However, we need to ensure that all waste emanating from the period of menstruation should be disposed in an environmental friendly manner, or else pollution will choke us . Women in Chemistry (WIC) have a challenge to ensure women do not suffer from pains, diseases and illnesses resulting from menstruation. Be a Woman in Chemistry (WIC) to make the different and reduce women’s suffering and stress. © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

48. It is hard to be a woman You must think like a man Act like a lady Look like a young girl And work like a horse © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

49. Now you know, TELL others © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

50. Thank you For your attention © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

51. References Arumugam , Balaji ; Nagalingam , Saranya ; Varman , Priyadharshini Mahendra ; Ravi, Preethi ; Ganesan , Roshni (2014). "Menstrual Hygiene Practices: Is it Practically Impractical?". International Journal of Medicine and Public Health. 4 (4): 472–476 Brundtland Commission (1987). Report of the World Commission on Environment and Development. United Nations Dasgupta , P. (2007). The idea of sustainable development. Sustainability Science. 2 (1): 5–11. House, S., Mahon, T., Cavill , S. (2012). Menstrual hygiene matters - A resource for improving menstrual hygiene around the world. Wateraid , UK, p.8 Sumpter , Colin; Torondel , Belen; RezaBaradaran, Hamid (26 April 2013). "A Systematic Review of the Health and Social Effects of Menstrual Hygiene Management". PLOS ONE. 8 (4): e62004. Juyal , R.; Kandpal , S.D.; Semwal , J. (April 2014). "Menstrual Hygiene and Reproductive Morbidity in Adolescent Girls in Dehradun, India". Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science. 13 (2): 170–174 Kjellén , M., Pensulo , C., Nordqvist , P., Fogde , M. (2012). Global review of sanitation systems trends and interactions with menstrual management practices - Report for the menstrual management and sanitation systems project. Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Stockholm, Sweden, p. 25 . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

52. References Sommer , Marni ; Hirsch, Jennifer; Nathanson , Constance; Parker, Richard G. (July 2015). "Comfortably, Safely, and Without Shame: Defining Menstrual Hygiene Management as a Public Health Issue". American Journal of Public Health. 105 (7): 1302–1311 UNEP. (2011). Towards a Green Economy: Pathways to Sustainable Development and Poverty Eradication. United Nations Environment Programme. UNESCO (2014). Puberty Education & Menstrual Hygiene Management - Good Policy and Practice in health Education - Booklet 9. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Paris, France, p. 32. World Health Organisation (WHO) (1997). Health and environment in sustainable development, five years after the Earth summit. (WHO) Geneva, (WHO/EHG/97.8). pp 245 . © Dr D.F. Ogeleka

53. Questions What is menstruation? What is menstrual cycle When is World menstrual hygiene day celebrated? What does May 28 stand for in World menstrual hygiene day? Mention four (4) items used by women during menstruation? Highlight the items that can be used to prepare one of them? What is water used for during menstruation? What is soap used for during menstruation? What is the function of soap? What is the essence of sanitizer? When do women need to take pain relievers? What is WIC? What is sustainable development goal (SDGs)? How many goals was launched by UN Secretary General Ban-Ki Moon in 2015? Mention the goals that pertains to World menstrual hygiene day? © Dr D.F. Ogeleka