Government reassures women: Sanitary pads are safe despite chemical study concerns

The government has moved to reassure women and girls that sanitary pads remain safe to use. The South African government has moved to reassure women and girls that sanitary pads remain safe to use following widespread concern sparked by a recent research study thatdetected small quantities of endocrine-disrupting chemicalsin some menstrual products. Officials, together with leading scientific and medical experts, addressed the issue during a joint media briefing on Sunday hosted by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development cluster, co-chaired by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

The research, conducted by the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State, was published in the “Science of the Total Environment” journal in February 2026. The study analysed 16 sanitary pads and seven pantyliners purchased online to determine whether they containedendocrine-disrupting chemicals(EDCs). Researchers found that all of the products tested contained at least two types of these chemicals, including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols.

Even products marketed as “chemical-free” were found to contain small amounts of the compounds. The study suggested that menstrual products could represent an overlooked source of exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Information accompanying the research indicated that exposure to such chemicals has been associated in scientific literature with possible health concerns, including hormonal imbalances, fertility challenges, endometriosis and certain reproductive cancers. As the findings circulated widely online, they triggered alarm among many women and young girls who rely on menstrual products every month.