Sanitary products on a shelf in an American pharmacy, including some of the products identified by a local study to contain harmful chemicals. Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
- The National Consumer Commission has demanded that local manufacturers of sanitary pads test them for harmful chemicals.
- This follows a controversial study by the University of the Free State which found chemicals that, in high or chronic exposure, could cause infertility or even cancer.
- Manufacturers say that they adhere to international standards.
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The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has launched a “priority investigation” into the safety of sanitary products that millions of South African women use monthly.
Sanitary pads and panty liners almost across the board, including well-known brands like Kotex, Stay Free, Lil-lets, Libresse, Always and Comfitex, have been flagged by a University of Free State (UFS) study that found they contain harmful chemicals that might disrupt hormonal processes.
The endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are parabens, phthalates and bisphenols (including BPA), and are linked to health complications such as hormonal imbalance, infertility, endometriosis and cancer.
As of yet, the NCC hasn’t recalled any products.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NCC said it is investigating all the suppliers mentioned whose products were tested in the study:
- Kimberly-Clark, which manufactures Kotex;
- Procter and Gamble (Always);
- Anna Organics;
- The Lion Match Company (Comfitex);
- Here We Flo (Flo);
- Johnson & Johnson (Stay Free);
- Premier Group (Lil-lets);
- Essity Hygiene and Health AB (Libresse); and
- My Time.
The study tested 23 products, and emphasised that it did not test all products on the market.
The investigation aims to establish whether the suppliers comply with Sections 55 and 24 of the Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which states that consumers have the right to receive goods that are reasonably suitable for their intended purposes. Consumers also have the right to goods that are of good quality and in good working order. The goods must be free of defects and usable and durable for a reasonable time.
Simultaneously, the NCC will be requiring the suppliers to conduct their own tests or provide the latest laboratory results that tested for EDCs.
The NCC will use the test results to determine whether product recalls should be invoked in terms of Section 60 of the CPA.
Acting NCC Commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu said: “The findings of the study raise serious concerns affecting women and girls that warrant an investigation, making this a priority investigation. The affected suppliers will be afforded an opportunity to respond to the concerns as part of the investigation before the NCC makes a determination on the matter.”
The study was conducted for a doctoral dissertation by Janine Blignaut at the UFS departments of chemistry, microbiology and biochemistry at the University of the Free State (UFS) for a doctoral dissertation by Janine Blignaut. It was published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, showing that each of the 23 menstrual pads and panty liners tested contains at least two chemicals that can disrupt the endocrine system.
Manufacturers have already responded that the amount of chemicals found falls within international regulatory frameworks, and the levels of the chemicals do not pose a health risk. They have also expressed concern over the methodology of the study.
Professor Deon Visser, head of the chemistry department, told City Press that repeated exposure to the chemicals can accumulate in the body.
READ | Chemicals found in sanitary pads spark safety debate between researchers and industry
“The average woman will menstruate 450 times in her lifetime. Sanitary products come into contact with mucous membranes, which absorb chemicals more easily than skin elsewhere on the body.”
The researchers are now also investigating baby nappies because their manufacturing process is similar.
