Following the University of the Free State’s report on chemical exposure in menstrual products, Dr Ruth Apostolov, founder of the She PowHer Foundation, says the findings are raising urgent concerns for women and girls across South Africa.
The study, titled “The Presence of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in Sanitary Pads: A Study Done in South Africa,” found that some sanitary pads and panty liners may contain potentially harmful substances such as parabens, phthalates and bisphenols.
These chemicals, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, have been linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, endometriosis and certain cancers.
Speaking to the Saturday Star, Apostolov said the findings are particularly concerning because they are now backed by local, peer-reviewed evidence.
“Globally, this debate has been building for years. Researchers in other parts of the world have already raised questions about chemical exposure in menstrual products. What is different now is that South Africa has its own peer-reviewed evidence. And once the data is local, the responsibility becomes local. The study does not call for hysteria but unfortunately “pandoras box” has been opened.
“Menstrual products are used monthly from children as young as 8 years old to menopause around 56 years like myself, often for nearly four decades. When research identifies endocrine-disrupting chemicals in products used so consistently and intimately, it warrants regulatory review, transparency and deeper investigation. For women and girls in Southern Africa particularly those with limited product choice, the issue is critical. Cumulative exposure, even at low levels, deserves scrutiny. Public health leadership requires that we respond with science, accountability and reform.”
Apostolov emphasised that the issue is critical for women and girls across Southern Africa, particularly in communities with limited product choice. Even low-level cumulative exposure to these chemicals warrants scrutiny.
“Education is foundational. Without information, there is no informed consent. For too long, menstrual health has been reduced to access alone. Women deserve to understand how products are regulated, what materials they contain and what alternatives exist,” she said.
Apostolov also highlighted the broader social and economic implications of menstrual health:
“Menstrual health is a dignity issue, an education issue and an economic issue. When girls miss school because they lack safe, reliable products, the consequences compound. When women must choose between food and monthly disposable products, financial strain increases. Safe, reusable options, combined with menstrual literacy and community engagement, empower girls and women while investing in human capital.”
She called for urgent reforms in the industry: “First, ingredient transparency must become standard practice. Second, regulatory frameworks must reflect biological reality. Third, procurement systems must support a diversified product mix, including medically regulated reusable options. Finally, menstrual education must be embedded into public health and school systems. Silence has never protected anyone.”
Local manufacturing of menstrual products, Apostolov added, strengthens health sovereignty, creates jobs, builds technical skills and reduces long-term household costs and environmental waste.
“A single regulated reusable product can serve a girl for years. Over time, that financial relief translates into improved economic resilience and educational continuity. Products like the She PowHer Menstrual Cup represent where science, regulation, sustainability and economic practicality meet. This is progression, not just innovation. Southern Africa can lead in building a safer, more equitable menstrual health ecosystem.”
She PowHer has distributed over 30 000 locally made, SABS-compliant menstrual cups, which Apostolov says offer a safer, medically regulated alternative.
“Menstrual cups in South Africa are classified as Class II medical devices. They are manufactured under ISO 13485 medical device standards and licensed by SAHPRA. Made from medical-grade, biocompatible silicone, they are non-toxic, hypoallergenic and safe for long-term use. Unlike disposable pads and tampons, they do not contain absorbent bleaches, fragrances, adhesives, or super-absorbent gels. They collect rather than absorb, reducing repeated chemical exposure month after month,” she explained.
The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has now launched a formal investigation into several leading sanitary pad suppliers in response to the study, signalling the seriousness of the issue for public health and consumer protection.
anita.nkonki@inl.co.za
Saturday Star