By: Bright Ntuli
The minister of health, Aaron Motsoaledi, has assured South African women and girls that it remains safe to use sanitary pads and panty liners.
His reassurance follows a recent study by the University of the Free State, which found that certain sanitary pads and panty liners may contain low levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are substances that can interfere with the body’s hormonal system. In high concentrations, some of these chemicals have been linked to reproductive and developmental health risks.
Briefing the media, Motsoaledi said the presence of small amounts of these chemicals in menstrual hygiene products is not a new concern and does not pose a health risk to users.
He explained that the levels detected in the study are extremely low and fall within internationally accepted safety limits. According to the department, similar trace amounts of such chemicals can also be found in a range of everyday consumer products due to environmental exposure and manufacturing processes.
Motsoaledi added that the Department of Health will review the study’s findings and continue working with relevant regulatory bodies to ensure that menstrual hygiene products sold in South Africa meet safety standards.
The study has sparked public discussion about the safety and regulation of menstrual products, with consumer advocacy groups calling for greater transparency around the materials used in their manufacture.
The Department of Health has encouraged the public not to panic, stressing that sanitary pads and panty liners remain safe for normal use.
