No need for pad panic, experts say

Leading reproductive health bodies have pushed back against a recent University of the Free State (UFS)studythat foundendocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in sanitary pads and pantyliners, saying the findings do not indicate any immediate health risk. Researchers screened for three major classes ofEDCs— phthalates, bisphenols and parabens — and found that every pad and pantyliner tested contained at least two of the target chemicals. The authors said that while the substances were not intentionally added during production, they could migrate into products from plastics, adhesives, packaging or contaminated water used.

Although the amounts detected in individual products might appear small, the study warns that the real concern lies in cumulative exposure over time. Menstrual products are worn directly against permeable genital and mucosal tissue, which absorbs chemicals more readily than the skin on other parts of the body. Most users rely on pads and liners for several days every month over decades.

“EDCs, such as phthalates, bisphenols and parabens, are widely used in consumer products and have been associated with reproductive toxicity, hormonal imbalance and cancer,” the authors wrote. “Menstrual products represent a potential but under-recognised source of exposure.” TheSouth African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, theSouth African Society of Reproductive Medicine and Gynaecological Endoscopyand theCollege of Obstetricians & Gynaecologistssaid the finding “requires context, perspective and correct interpretation of the data, with clear messaging on the broader implications for the public and for the country”. EDCs were products that had the potential to interfere with the action of hormones, especially reproductive and thyroid hormones, when the quantities exceeded permissible concentration levels, they said in a statement.

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“These endocrine disruptors are very common and are present in low concentrations in various foodstuffs, household products, personal care and beauty products such as toothpaste, shampoo and conditioners, body lotions, lipsticks, clothing and electronics. “Thus, the finding that they are also found in menstrual products is not surprising,” the organisations said.

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