Chemicals in your pads? UFS study sounds alarm over hormone-disrupting substances in SA menstrual products

Millions of South Africans could be exposing themselves to "hormone-disrupting" chemicals every month, despite using menstrual products marketed as “clean” or “free from harmful chemicals”.

A study by the University of the Free State (UFS) has revealed that every single sanitary pad and pantyliner tested by researchers contained at least two endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). These substances are linked to severe health issues, including infertility, hormonal imbalances, and even cancer.

‘Free from’ labels under fire

The research team, led by PhD candidate Janine Blignaut and Chemistry Department head Prof Deon Visser, analysed 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners popular in South African retail stores. They specifically hunted for three groups of EDCs: phthalates, bisphenols (including BPA), and parabens. The results were staggering:

• Bisphenols: Detected in 100% of sanitary pads and 75% of pantyliners.
• Parabens: Found in over 81% of pads and 75% of liners.
• Phthalates: Present in every single pantyliner tested and 50% of pads.

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

While these chemicals are often not added intentionally, they are far from accidental. Researchers believe they migrate into the products from plastics, adhesives, and the manufacturing equipment itself.

Prof Visser explained a critical flaw in the production line: “The heat-pressing process can cause these chemicals to move into the top layer that touches your skin.” Because menstrual products come into contact with mucosal tissue, the body absorbs these chemicals much faster and more directly than through ordinary skin.

Regulatory 'blind spot'

The study revealed that perhaps most concerning is that these products may be perfectly legal under current South African laws. “SABS does have the SANS 1043 test, but it only tests for microbiology, absorbency, etc. According to our knowledge, there are no standards regarding the chemicals we observed,” Prof Visser warned.

Currently, manufacturers are not required to disclose the full chemical makeup of their pads or liners, leaving consumers in the dark. Prof Visser is now calling for a total overhaul of disclosure rules: “We do believe that manufacturers should disclose all chemicals in their products, even if they fall below daily limits.”

What can you do?

For those looking to protect themselves, the UFS team suggests looking for international certifications rather than local marketing claims. “Look for the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 verification, an international standard  or use a reusable sanitary towel,” Prof Visser advised.

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