The global plastic waste crisis is a growing concern, with yearly production exceeding 450 million tonnes. This overwhelming amount of plastic is filling up landfills, releasing greenhouse gases, and heavily polluting oceans. A large share of this plastic waste—around 50%—comes from single-use items that frequently end up in natural environments and eventually infiltrate the food chain. Amidst this widespread plastic pollution, single-use pregnancy tests represent a notable yet frequently ignored source of environmental harm.

How do disposable digital pregnancy tests pollute the environment?

1. Electronic Waste (E-Waste)
Digital pregnancy tests contain electronic components, such as microchips, circuit boards, and small digital screens. These components make the tests electronic devices, which, when disposed of, become e-waste. E-waste is challenging to recycle because it often contains a mix of materials that require specialized recycling processes. Most electronic waste ends up in landfills, where toxic substances can leach into the soil and groundwater.

2. Non-Recyclable Materials
Unlike traditional pregnancy tests made primarily of plastic, digital pregnancy tests often contain non-recyclable materials. The combination of electronics, plastics, and sometimes metals means they cannot be easily processed in standard recycling facilities. The result is a higher likelihood of these materials ending up in landfills or incinerated, leading to environmental pollution.

3. Battery Contamination
Digital pregnancy tests typically use small button cell batteries to power their displays and electronic components. These batteries often contain harmful chemicals such as lithium, mercury, or cadmium. When these batteries are improperly disposed of, the chemicals can leak, contaminating soil and water and posing risks to human health and wildlife.

4. Plastic Waste
Like traditional tests, digital pregnancy tests are also made from plastic, which is derived from petroleum and contributes to plastic pollution. These plastics are often not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down, causing long-term environmental damage, especially when they end up in oceans and waterways.

5. Energy-Intensive Production
The manufacturing of digital pregnancy tests is more resource-intensive compared to simple plastic strip tests. The production process requires more energy and raw materials to produce electronic components, plastics, and packaging. This adds to the overall carbon footprint of the product.

Sustainable Pregnancy Testing Solutions

Addressing the environmental impact of pregnancy tests requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on reducing plastic waste and mitigating the effects of e-waste. Fortunately, several promising solutions are emerging.

Plastic Neutral Initiatives

Analog pregnancy and ovulation tests that are certified plastic-neutral are available from many retailers online in the United States. For example, Natalist, acquired by Everly Health in 2021, ensures that an equivalent amount of plastic is removed from the environment for every pound of plastic produced. This initiative represents a significant step toward reducing the environmental impact of pregnancy tests and promoting sustainable practices in healthcare products.

Reusable Pregnancy Tests

A significant advancement in sustainable pregnancy testing is the emergence of reusable tests. These devices operate like standard single-use tests but are built for repeated use, greatly minimizing waste. Reusable tests generally feature a sturdy, compact design that allows for easy cleaning and multiple testing cycles. They utilize absorbent materials and chemical indicators to detect hCG levels in urine, delivering reliable results in just a few minutes.

For instance, Medasia offers a dual-function digital pregnancy and ovulation test that allows users to test both pregnancy and ovulation with a single device. Its reusable digital display pen can be used multiple times, simply requiring the replacement of test strips. Easy to use, the test involves installing the strip on the display pen, dipping it in urine for 10–20 seconds, and waiting for results to appear within 5 minutes. The test is over 99% accurate and offers early pregnancy detection up to four days before a period is due. It features an HCG function that indicates how many weeks since conception if pregnant.

The benefits of reusable pregnancy tests extend beyond their environmental impact. They offer cost-effectiveness by reducing the need for frequent purchases and providing long-term value. The convenience and reliability of being able to reuse the test multiple times also reassure users, making them a practical choice for eco-conscious individuals.

Biodegradable and Flushable Options

Another promising innovation is the creation of biodegradable and flushable pregnancy tests. Constructed from plant-based fibers, these tests can be either flushed away or composted, breaking down entirely within a matter of weeks. This offers a more sustainable option compared to conventional plastic tests, substantially lowering their environmental impact. However, bringing these biodegradable tests to market and scaling up production has proven challenging.

For instance, Lia Diagnostics' FDA-approved flushable and biodegradable pregnancy test, introduced in 2017, has yet to achieve widespread production and availability.

The Future of Sustainable Pregnancy Testing

The move toward sustainable pregnancy tests is part of a growing recognition of the environmental impact of single-use items. As more people seek eco-friendly and reusable options, the future of pregnancy tests will probably focus more on sustainable and reusable choices. Continuous progress in technology and materials is expected to make these products more accessible, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly.

Reference:
https://www.techtarget.com/pharmalifesciences/feature/Emerging-solutions-to-address-the-environmental-impact-of-pregnancy-tests#:~:text=For%20instance%2C%20Medasia%20offers%20a,the%20replacement%20of%20test%20strips.