Sanitary pads 'safe'

STUDY: MINISTER BRUSHES ASIDE FINDINGS ON MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS

- Faizel Patel

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) cannot be completely avoided or removed, and it remains safe to use sanitary products, adding none of the tested menstrual products should be removed from the market, according Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi.

Concerns were raised after a study by the department of chemistry at the University of Free State last month found the presence of EDCs, including parabens, phthalates and bisphenols, in all 23 sanitary pads and panty liners in South Africa.

The crisis had taken on a life of its own, with many women questioning whether they should still even be using these products, while others don’t have any other option.

Government, through the social protection, community and human development cluster, hosted a joint media briefing yesterday to respond and clarify the implications of the findings of the research study on sanitary pads.