Sanitary products deemed safe: No evidence of harm, say experts

Sanitary pads and pantyliners: Health authorities confirm their safety despite recent study findings. Amid recent fears sparked by a study from the University of Free State (UFS), health authorities are taking action to reassure the public about the safety of menstrual products, specifically sanitary pads and pantyliners. In a press briefing on Sunday, Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, accompanied by a panel of specialists, aimed to clarify the study’s findings, which indicated the potential presence of harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in these products.

A study by UFS tiled, “The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa”, found small amounts of EDCs in 16 sanitary pads and seven pantyliners purchased online, including some marketed as chemical-free. The UFS news story linked the EDC exposure from these menstrual products to serious health issues such as hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, endometriosis, and certain types of reproductive cancer. Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi addresses the media, reassuring the public about the safety of menstrual products.

Motsoaledi explained that EDCs are chemicals, either natural or human-made, that disrupt the endocrine system. EDCs are everywhere, found in low concentrations in food, household, personal care, and beauty products (cosmetics, toothpaste, shampoo, lotions, etc.), clothing, and electronics. They are also widely used as pesticides in agriculture to kill pests.