Health experts and regulators have reassured the public that there is currently no scientific evidence linking menstrual products such as sanitary pads to cancer, infertility or hormonal disorders, following a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of the Free State.
The study detected small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products. However, scientists involved in the research emphasised that the study did not establish a causal relationship between the chemicals and diseases such as infertility, cancer or endometriosis.
Researchers explained that proving causation would require excluding all other possible sources of chemical exposure and risk factors linked to those conditions.
According to experts, this level of proof was not part of the study’s design, meaning its findings cannot confirm that menstrual products cause health problems.
Scientists also pointed out that the chemical concentrations detected were below permissible safety levels, while the study’s relatively small sample size limits the ability to apply the findings broadly to the general population.
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) said sanitary products are classified as low-risk medical devices under the Medicines and Related Substances Act.
SAHPRA CEO Dr Boitumelo Semete said manufacturers must still comply with international quality standards, and no causal link has been found between the chemicals and serious health conditions.
“SAHPRA has not received any reports of adverse events from the public regarding these products,” the authority said, adding that the regulator will continue monitoring them together with other oversight bodies.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also stressed that access to menstrual products remains an important public health issue and forms part of universal health coverage.
WHO officials noted that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can be present in many personal care products used worldwide, and current evidence has not identified clear health harm linked to menstrual products.
The organisation further indicated that no country has withdrawn access to menstrual products because of concerns related to endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
The University of the Free State also clarified that the research does not claim that short-term use of menstrual products causes disease. Instead, it highlights areas where further scientific investigation may be required.
Government officials added that several regulatory bodies continue to oversee the safety of sanitary products, including the South African Bureau of Standards, the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications and the National Consumer Commission.
Authorities concluded that the current findings do not require any additional regulatory action, and sanitary products remain safe for public use.
