South Africa’s Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has reassured the public that sanitary products available in the country remain safe to use despite recent research identifying small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products.
The comments came after a study conducted by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Free State earlier in 2026 reported that all 23 sanitary pads and panty liners tested contained traces of certain chemical compounds. These included parabens, phthalates and bisphenols — substances commonly used in manufacturing and widely found in many everyday consumer products.
The research triggered widespread discussion and concern among women across the country, with some questioning whether they should continue using the products. For others, particularly those with limited access to alternative menstrual solutions, the findings created uncertainty but offered few practical options.
Government responds to public concern
In response to the public reaction, government officials held a joint media briefing on Sunday through the Social Protection, Community and Human Development cluster to clarify the implications of the research.
Motsoaledi said it was appropriate for the Department of Health to address the issue publicly, particularly as the briefing coincided with International Women’s Day.
According to the minister, the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary products should not come as a surprise to scientists or regulators.
He said experts from leading South African research and clinical institutions agree that such chemicals are commonly detected in a wide range of manufactured goods.
“Endocrine-disrupting chemicals are present in many products used in daily life,” Motsoaledi said, adding that their presence in menstrual products had also been documented in previous international studies.
The minister emphasised that the levels detected in the recent research were very low and that the study itself did not establish any direct link between the chemicals and negative health outcomes in women or girls.
“For this reason, women and girls can be reassured that it remains safe to use sanitary pads,” he said.
Chemicals common in everyday products
Motsoaledi explained that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are widespread in modern environments. They can be found in small concentrations in food, household items, cosmetics and personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioners, body lotions and lipsticks.
The substances are also commonly used in agriculture, particularly in pesticides and industrial materials.
He added that exposure to these chemicals occurs across the population and is not limited to menstrual products. In fact, some studies suggest that overall exposure levels may even be higher in men than in women.
Because of their low risk classification, sanitary products in South Africa are not currently regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
Motsoaledi said SAHPRA has not received any reports linking sanitary pad usage to adverse health effects, and therefore there has been no regulatory justification to classify the products as medical devices or introduce stricter oversight.
He also noted that global health organisations, including the World Health Organization, have monitored research on endocrine-disrupting chemicals for many years.
“To date, no evidence has been found showing harm caused by menstrual products,” Motsoaledi said.
For now, authorities say the latest research does not change the safety status of sanitary products available in South Africa, and there are no plans to remove any items from the market.
