(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
Recent research into chemicals in sanitary napkins has caused great concern among women and young girls, but health experts and authorities say there is no evidence of harm and that these products can still be used safely.
The publication of new research on hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary products has raised questions about the safety of millions of women who use them monthly.
The research carried out by a team of researchers at the University of the Free State (UF) in February Science of theTotal Environment published, found small amounts of these chemicals in 16 types of sanitary napkins and seven types of mini wipes.
The research examined 16 commercially available sanitary napkins. Small amounts of so-called endocrine-disrupting chemicals were found in the samples, with all products containing at least two types of these chemicals – even in products marketed as chemical-free.
According to the research, exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals can be linked to health problems such as hormonal imbalances, fertility problems, endometriosis and certain types of reproductive cancer.
However, the findings sparked widespread reaction on social media and “caused widespread panic among women and young girls who regularly use these products”.
Experts: Presence means no harm
The Department of Health subsequently consulted various institutions, including the South African Medical Research Council, the South African Health Products Regulatory Board (Sahpra), the World Health Organization (WHO) and specialist associations of gynaecologists.
According to prof. Ntobeko Ntusi, president of the South African Medical Research Council, says endocrine-disrupting chemicals are almost everywhere.
“The most important point is that it is being referenced almost everywhere, wherever you look,” he said.
He also says that the exposure to these chemicals is in many cases higher in men than in women.
“The detection of endocrine-disrupting chemicals does not mean proof of harm to South Africans. Just because a chemical is present does not mean that it poses a risk.”
According to him, there is also “no causal link and no evidence of clinical harm”, and the scientific community wants to reassure the public that “there is no sign of harm”.
“These products have been used by women for decades and are safe to continue using.”
(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
Concentration very low
Gynecologists and reproductive specialists also emphasized that the chemicals found in the research were present in very low concentrations.
They say endocrine disrupting chemicals only have the “potential to interfere with hormones” and do not currently represent a “real risk”.
Furthermore, the scientists argue that sanitary products only account for about 6.8% of a person’s total exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, while food (about 40%) and other personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoo and body lotion account for another 40%.
Authorities monitor products
The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority says sanitary products are classified as low-risk medical devices and manufacturers must still meet international standards.
According to Sahpra’s CEO, Dr. Boitumelo Semete, there is “no causal link determined between the chemicals in these products and conditions such as cancer, infertility or endometriosis”.
She adds that Sahpra has not yet received any reports of adverse reactions from the public and that the authorities will continue to monitor the products.
“It is our considered opinion that these products remain safe for use by the public.”
WHO: No reason to withdraw products
The WHO says that access to menstrual products is an important part of public health.
According to the WHO, “to date, no clear evidence of health damage from this type of product has been identified”.
The organization also says it is not aware of any case in the world where access to these products has been withdrawn due to concerns about endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
(Photo: Christine Oelofse/Maroela Media)
University of the Free State’s explanation
The University of the Free State said that the research does not claim that short-term use of menstrual products causes specific health conditions.
The university says the research was not designed to prove a direct causal link between the chemicals and diseases in women and does not recommend that current products be withdrawn from the market.
According to experts, scientists and health authorities agree that the chemicals were indeed found, but in very low levels and without evidence of harm.
The most important message, they say, is that “so far no research has proven a causal link between these chemicals and negative health outcomes in women or girls”.
Women and girls can therefore rest assured that it is still safe to use sanitary napkins.