Menstrual dignity Is a right’: Women’s department responds to chemical findings.
Image: Pexels
The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) has finally leapt into action after explosive research revealed hormone-disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa.
"DWYPD has formally engaged the University of the Free State (UFS) following the release of a peer-reviewed study identifying the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in various sanitary pads and pantyliners," the department said.
The findings have sparked concern about what millions of women and girls may be exposed to every month.
"EDCs were detected and quantified in all tested samples, with each pad and liner containing at least two of the target EDCs," the university found.
Although the research does not point to immediate danger, questions are now being asked about long-term risks.
"While the study does not establish immediate or short-term health harm, it raises important concerns regarding long-term exposure and cumulative health risks.
"The purpose of the scientific research conducted at the university is not to create fear, anxiety, and panic, but to inform and empower consumers, policymakers, and health professionals through robust data and scientific evidence," the department continued.
But menstrual health activist and Palesa Pads founder Sherie de Wet says the findings come as no surprise.
For her, the findings confirm what international researchers have been warning about for some time.
"The global scientific community has been detecting endocrine-disrupting chemicals in menstrual products for years."
Her issue isn't imaginary. Menstrual products are used month after month, often beginning in early adolescence and continuing for decades.
She said that this repeated exposure elevates the urgency of regulatory scrutiny, particularly when these chemicals are known to interfere with hormonal systems that regulate growth, development, metabolism and reproduction.
Transparency, she argued, remains a critical gap in the South African market.
"Transparency has been limited," De Wet added. "South Africa currently has no specific regulatory requirement for full chemical disclosure in menstrual products, which means consumers cannot make fully informed comparisons."
Menstrual dignity, the department said, is non-negotiable. It also confirmed that there is currently no recall of products on shelves.
"DWYPD reiterates that there is currently no directive for product withdrawal. However, transparent and science-led policies will remain central to the government’s approach."
Consumers are being urged to remain calm while investigations continue, with government promising updates as more verified information becomes available.
IOL News