The National Department of Health has reassured the public that sanitary pads sold in the country are safe for use, following concerns sparked by a recent study on the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in some products.
The concerns emerged after research conducted by the University of the Free State detected EDCs in several sanitary pad brands, raising alarm among consumers about potential health risks.
Speaking during a joint social cluster media briefing in Pretoria, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said the findings were not unexpected. He explained that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are commonly found in various manufactured products and only pose health risks when they exceed permissible concentration levels.
Motsoaledi noted that scientists have known about the presence of EDCs in consumer products for more than a century. He emphasised that these chemicals are largely unavoidable in modern life and that there is no direct evidence linking sanitary pads to cancer.
The minister confirmed that sanitary pads from the 16 brands included in the study will continue to be sold, as the research itself does not provide medical advice or recommend changes in consumer behaviour.
This position is supported by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the National Consumer Commission, which also reviewed the study’s findings.
Although sanitary pads are not regulated in the same way as medical products, Motsoaledi expressed confidence that their potential health impacts will continue to be monitored.
He also defended the intentions of the University of the Free State researchers, saying the study was not meant to cause panic or confusion among the public.
Motsoaledi concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting the sexual and reproductive health of women and girls. He called on stakeholders, including the media, to work together in ensuring that accurate and factual information is shared with the public.
