WOMEN’S health experts and the national Department of Health has urged for calm as investigations clear the continued use of sanitary pads after mass panic at the discovery of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in some menstrual products across South Africa.

The presence of the hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners was highlighted in a University of Free State (UFS) study released in the Science of the Total Environment Journal last month.

The UFS Department of Chemistry study, titled ‘The presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa’, tested 16 sanitary pads and seven pantyliners that were bought online with some marketed as being chemical-free.

The findings showed widespread contamination across all products tested, with at least two types of targeted EDCs detected. Though minute, concerns were raised that repeated contact with EDCs may contribute to cumulative exposure, which has been linked to hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, endometriosis, and even certain types of reproductive cancer.

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Leading the press of the Social Protection, Community and Human Development cluster on Sunday (International Women’s Day), Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi said it was not surprising that EDCs were found in sanitary pads as they are found in many other products, including food.

“The levels of EDCs were low,” said Motsoaledi. “Most important is that this or any other study has not established a causal relationship between the detected chemicals and adverse health outcomes in women or girls. Women and girls can be reassured that it remains safe to use sanitary pads.”

This was also confirmed by the president of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), Prof Ntobeko Ntusi, who emphasised that EDCs are found “almost everywhere you look”.

“The exposure to EDCs is actually much higher in men than it is in women,” said Ntusi, who confirmed that most of the exposure in women also comes from cosmetics while men are susceptible through occupational exposure.

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Men also exposed to EDCs

“The detection of EDCs, most importantly and critically, does not translate to evidence of harm to South Africans. Just because a chemical is present does not mean that it represents a risk,” reassured Ntusi.

SAMRC concluded that there is no causality and no evidence of clinical harm found during the investigations. “We need to reassure the South African public that there is no signal of harm,” said Thusi.

Obstetricians and gynaecologists who were part of the briefing said during the investigation no causation was established. “The contribution of EDCs in menstrual products to the total pool of EDCs from daily exposure to other sources is also low, which is around 6.8%.

“The majority comes from foodstuffs (40%) and other personal care products (40%), like toothpaste, shampoo and conditioners, body lotions, lipsticks and also clothing. Thus, perspective and context is needed when interpreting this data,” the experts said.

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