By Charmaine Ndlela

Menstrual products used by millions of South Africans may contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, including in items marketed as free from harmful chemicals, according to new research from the University of the Free State (UFS).

The study detected endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested, with each product containing at least two of the targeted chemicals, the university said in a statement.

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Bisphenols were detected in 100% of sanitary pads tested and 75% of pantyliners, while parabens were present in more than 81% of pads and 75% of liners, UFS said. Phthalates were identified in all pantyliners and in 50% of sanitary pads.

The research was conducted by a UFS team including Janine Blignaut (PhD candidate), Dr Gabre Kemp from the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, and Professors Elizabeth Erasmus, Deon Visser and Marietjie Schutte-Smith from the Department of Chemistry.

“Our study highlights a concerning reality regarding the safety of menstrual products,” said Visser, Head of the Department of Chemistry at UFS. “Many sanitary pads and liners contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, even when they are marketed as being ‘free from harmful chemicals’.”

The researchers analysed 16 brands of sanitary pads and seven pantyliners commonly sold in South African retail stores.

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The study focused on three groups of EDCs — phthalates, bisphenols (including BPA) and parabens — and found their presence across the products tested.

According to the researchers, these chemicals are not always intentionally added but may migrate into products from plastics, adhesives and manufacturing processes.

“The heat-pressing process can cause these chemicals to move into the top layer that touches your skin,” Visser said.

While the levels detected in a single product may appear low, the researchers said the concern lies in repeated exposure over time.

The study also highlighted gaps in chemical regulation in South Africa. “SABS does have the SANS 1043 test, but it focuses on microbiology, absorbency and similar factors. To our knowledge, there are no standards addressing the chemicals we observed,” Visser said.

Manufacturers are generally not required to disclose the full chemical composition of menstrual products. “We believe manufacturers should disclose all chemicals in their products, even if they fall below daily limits,” he added.

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“This study serves as a wake-up call,” Visser said, “that current regulations and ‘clean’ labels in South Africa may not be providing the protection consumers expect.”

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