The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, found that all types of sanitary pads and pantyliners they tested contained at least two endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs).
The researchers analyzed 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight brands of pantyliners sold in popular South African stores, covering a range of prices and including products advertised as “using natural ingredients”, “plant-based” or “free of harmful chemicals”.
The findings showed widespread contamination in all products tested. The researchers examined three major classes of EDCs – phthalates, bisphenols (including bisphenol A, or BPA) and parabens. Each pad and panty liner contained at least two chemicals.
“EDCs, such as phthalates, bisphenols and parabens, are widely used in consumer products and are associated with reproductive toxicity, hormonal imbalance and cancer,” the study notes.
“Menstrual products represent a potential but under-recognized phenomenon. In South Africa, many brands advertise that they do not contain harmful chemicals, but little research has confirmed the potential sources of EDCs.”