Health Minister hopes for clarity over UFS research on unsafe sanitary pads

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said he hopes to have more definitive answers by the end of the week about recent research on women’s sanitary products. 

This, after data from the University of the Free State suggested many popular products contain harmful chemicals.

However, responding to the concerns in the National Assembly on Tuesday, Motsoaledi called for calm.

He said the endocrine-disrupting chemicals allegedly found in the sanitary products are also commonly found in food and everyday household products, toiletries and cosmetics. 

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Motsoaledi said the findings of the university’s study need further analysis.

“What we’ve done, is we have brought scientists together to tell us exactly what the meaning of this study is and before the end of this week, we will call a press conference to understand. But I just wanted you to know that everything you eat today, contains these products. For now, sit and relax and wait.”

The National Consumer Commission has also launched a probe.