Chemicals in menstrual products ‘cannot be completely avoided or removed’ - Motsoaledi

Government said there’s no need to recall any menstrual products, as they do not pose a health risk.

Speaking at a press conference in Pretoria on Sunday, Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi said the trace of chemicals found in some products are not dangerous.

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This follows a study by the University of the Free State (UFS), which found small amounts of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including parabens and bisphenols in 16 popular sanitary products.

Motsoaledi said while these chemicals can mimic hormones in the body’s endocrine system, current evidence indicates no immediate risk to users.

“EDCs cannot be completely avoided or removed. None of the tested products warrants withdrawal from the market. No evidence at present to support change of usual practice by users of the products.”

Motsoaledi emphasised that endocrine-disrupting chemicals are common in everyday environments, with many exposures coming from food, dust, cleaning products and other personal care items.

“They are ever present in low concentrations in various foodstuffs, household products, personal care and beauty products such as toothpaste, shampoo and conditioners, body lotions, lipsticks, clothing and electronics. They are widely used in agriculture as pesticides.”