Michael Gwarisa
For many women, sanitary pads are an essential part of daily life. They help manage menstrual hygiene and keep women comfortable and active. But a recent South African study has revealed a hidden risk, some pads and panty liners may contain chemicals that interfere with hormones and could increase long-term health risks, including cancer.
The research, led by Janine Blignaut and colleagues from the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, focused on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in menstrual products. These chemicals, which include phthalates, parabens, and bisphenols, can mimic or interfere with the body’s natural hormones. Hormones play a vital role in reproduction, metabolism, and overall health, so disruption can have serious consequences.
The study examined 16 brands of sanitary pads and seven panty liner brands available in South Africa. Researchers tested for 20 different EDCs using chromatographic analysis and calculated potential exposure risks based on daily use. The findings were striking, every single pad and liner tested contained at least two of these chemicals, with some containing multiple compounds known to disrupt hormonal activity.
Detection rates varied across products. In panty liners, phthalates were found in all samples (100%), bisphenols in 75%, and parabens in 75%. In pads, phthalates appeared in 50% of samples, bisphenols in 100%, and parabens in 85%. Notably, phthalates were more common in liners than in pads.
EDCs are often called xenoestrogens because they act like estrogen in the body. This is concerning because estrogen influences the growth of breast tissue, and excessive or unnatural estrogen activity is linked to an increased risk of certain cancers. Research has also connected high phthalate exposure to fertility problems, early puberty, ovulation disorders, thyroid disruption, and skin reactions. Over time, repeated exposure can accumulate in the body, especially given that sanitary pads come into contact with sensitive tissues for decades.
Menstrual products are multi-layer absorbent hygiene products designed to absorb menstrual flow. Each layer has a specific function and is made from different materials. These layers can absorb chemicals from manufacturing or intentional additives, such as plasticizers and preservatives, which give products flexibility, durability, or antibacterial properties. Some studies have even found traces of toxic metals and volatile compounds in pads and liners.
The concern for Zimbabwean women is immediate. The country relies heavily on imports of sanitary pads and liners from South Africa, which supplies roughly 86–89% of Zimbabwe’s sanitary products. In 2022 alone, Zimbabwe imported $37.4 million worth of pads and related products from South Africa. With local production shortages, dependence on imported sanitary wear remains high, meaning the potential exposure to EDCs is consistent for many women across the country.
EDCs are absorbed through skin contact, ingestion, or inhalation, making daily use of contaminated pads a significant source of exposure. Long-term exposure is particularly concerning because of its bioaccumulative nature, chemicals build up in the body over time, and potential to affect reproductive health, liver function, and hormone balance.
This study highlights a broader issue, menstrual products, while necessary, are an overlooked source of toxic exposure. It calls for more research and regulatory scrutiny to ensure that products are safe for women who rely on them every month.
For Zimbabwean women, awareness is key. Understanding the risks associated with imported sanitary products can help guide safer choices, encourage advocacy for higher safety standards, and push for increased local production of safer alternatives.
While daily doses of EDCs may appear low, the cumulative effect over years of monthly use cannot be ignored. The study serves as a reminder that menstrual hygiene is not just about comfort, it’s also about health and safety.
