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Picture of sanitary pad and pantyliner
A study by the University of Free State has found hormone-disrupting chemicals in every sanitary pad and pantyliner tested from brands sold in South Africa.
They include those labelled organic or chemical-free.
The university’s scientists have warned that millions of women face regular exposure.
They have called for clearer labelling, tougher safety regulations, and urgent further research.
𝗨𝗙𝗦 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗲-𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗿𝘂𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮
Menstrual products are used by millions of South Africans every month – but new research from the University of… pic.twitter.com/U2VObbaMBL
— UFS (@UFSweb) February 16, 2026
The founder of Team Free Sanitary Pads Nokuzola Ndwandwe says menstrual products of poor quality may cause endometriosis, and PCOS, and possible cervical cancer.
“Our organisation has already taken steps, as early as 2023 to educate women on the chemical contents that are contained in the menstrual products and that these menstrual products should not really be distributed. The focus should be on organic menstrual products that are of a high health standard, that are actually approved by the health regulatory professional body, which is SAPHRA.
