Are your sanitary pads safe? Study uncovers hormone-disrupting chemicals in South Africa

Study uncovers hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads across South Africa. A recent study by the University of the Free State (UFS) has revealed disturbing findings: all sanitary pads and panty liners tested in South Africa contain hormone-disrupting chemicals. This alarming discovery poses serious health risks for millions of women and girls who rely on these essential products each month.

For many women and others whomenstruate, sanitary pads and liners are essential items – trusted products used during a vulnerable time each month. The idea that they may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals is likely to cause alarm. “Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) were detected and quantified in all tested samples, with eachpad and linercontaining at least two of the target EDCs,” the university found.

Scientists tested 16 sanitary pads and seven panty liners for 20 different endocrine-disrupting EDCs.These include: Phthalates, Parabens and Bisphenols. These chemicals are known to interfere with hormones in the body. “I wonder what chemicals are in our period products and I wonder if it could be contributing to period symptoms we experience?” Asked menstrual health activist,Candice Chirwa. The study also found that 100% of panty liners contained phthalates and 100% of pads contained bisphenols.