Cape Town – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says sanitary pads remain safe to use despite a study by the University of the Free State finding endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products sold in South Africa.
The February 2026 study detected chemicals such as parabens, phthalates and bisphenols in 23 sanitary pads and panty liners, raising concerns among women.
Speaking during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday, Motsoaledi said the presence of these chemicals is not surprising because EDCs are commonly found in many everyday products, including food, cosmetics and household items.
“Experts from leading South African research and clinical institutions are in agreement that it is not surprising that EDCs were found in sanitary pads both because they are found in many products,” the minister said.
“Endocrine-disrupting chemicals cannot be avoided,” according to Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. He says none of the sanitary pad and panty liner products containing endocrine-disrupting chemicals warrants their withdrawal from the market. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/RD9Ia0tPsh
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 8, 2026
He emphasised that the levels detected are low and that no study has shown a causal link between the chemicals and adverse health effects in women or girls.
He added that none of the tested products should be removed from the market and that sanitary pads are currently considered low-risk products that are not regulated by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority.
UPDATE | Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has assured South Africans menstrual products remain safe to use after the study found endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the products. He says that EDCs are also present in other products and some foods. SABC News Reporter Puseletso… pic.twitter.com/S6eKocUK2K
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 8, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
