Groundbreaking UFS Research Exposes Hidden Risks in Menstrual Products

A landmark study from the University of the Free State (UFS) has sent shockwaves through South Africa's health and consumer safety discussions. Published in the prestigious journal Science of the Total Environment on February 9, 2026, the research titled "The presence of endocrine disrupting chemicals in sanitary pads: A study done in South Africa" reveals that every single sanitary pad and panty liner tested contained at least two endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Researchers analyzed 16 popular brands of sanitary pads and seven to eight panty liners readily available in South African stores, uncovering phthalates, parabens, and bisphenols across all samples. Even products boldly marketed as "free from harmful chemicals" failed to escape contamination.

This discovery highlights the pivotal role of South African universities like UFS in tackling public health challenges through rigorous scientific inquiry. The interdisciplinary effort, blending expertise from chemistry and microbiology, exemplifies how higher education institutions drive real-world solutions. For those passionate about such impactful work, exploring research jobs in higher education offers a pathway to contribute similarly.

The Dedicated UFS Team Leading the Charge

At the helm is PhD candidate Janine Blignaut, supported by Dr. Gabre Kemp from the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry, and Professors Elizabeth Erasmus, Deon Visser (Head of Chemistry), and Marietjie Schutte-Smith from the Department of Chemistry. All affiliated with UFS in Bloemfontein, this team leveraged university resources, including funding from the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and UFS's Central Research Fund.

Prof. Deon Visser emphasized the urgency: "Our study highlights a concerning reality regarding the safety of menstrual products. Many sanitary pads and liners contain hormone-disrupting chemicals, even when they are marketed as being 'free from harmful chemicals'." This publication not only advances academic discourse but also positions UFS as a leader in environmental toxicology and women's health research. Aspiring academics can connect with such experts via platforms like Rate My Professor to gauge teaching and research styles at institutions like UFS.

Decoding Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals: What You Need to Know

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances that interfere with the body's hormone system, mimicking, blocking, or altering natural hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Phthalates—plasticizers used in flexible plastics and adhesives—make products soft but can leach out. Parabens, common preservatives in cosmetics, exhibit estrogen-like activity. Bisphenols, such as bisphenol A (BPA), found in plastics and thermal papers, bind to hormone receptors.

In menstrual products, these EDCs migrate during manufacturing, especially via heat-pressing, into the skin-contacting layer. The perineal area's thin, permeable mucosal tissue facilitates rapid absorption, bypassing skin barriers more effectively than on arms or legs. Over decades of monthly use—averaging 2,500 days for a woman—cumulative exposure mounts.

• Phthalates: Linked to reproductive malformations and infertility.
• Parabens: Potential breast cancer promoters due to estrogen mimicry.
• Bisphenols: Associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and early puberty.

This UFS study fills a critical gap in South African data, urging vigilance.

Unpacking the Rigorous Methodology

The UFS team employed advanced chromatographic techniques—likely gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography—to detect and quantify 20 specific EDCs: nine phthalates, five parabens, and six bisphenols. Samples were purchased from retail outlets, dissected into layers (top sheet, core, backsheet), and extracted ultrasonically before analysis.

Daily exposure doses (DEDs) were estimated using formulas accounting for absorption rates: 10% for most phthalates via normal skin, higher for mucosal contact. Risk assessments compared DEDs to tolerable daily intakes (TDIs) set by bodies like the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). While single-use doses appear low (e.g., 30 ng/kg-bw/day), chronic scenarios exceed thresholds.

Such methodological precision underscores the value of university-led research, training PhD students like Blignaut in cutting-edge analytics—skills in demand for academic CVs in research roles.

Alarming Detection Rates and Concentrations Revealed

All 23 products harbored multiple EDCs. Key stats:

• Sanitary pads: Phthalates 50%, bisphenols 100%, parabens 85% detection frequency (DF).
• Panty liners: Phthalates 100%, bisphenols 75%, parabens 75% DF.

Median concentrations (ng/g):

Standouts: BPA (29.61 ng/g pads), DBP phthalate (36.64 ng/g liners). No DEHP detected. Phthalates dominated liners; bisphenols pads.

These figures, first for SA, spotlight manufacturing inadvertence.

Long-Term Health Implications for Women

Chronic EDC exposure via menstrual products risks hormonal imbalances, fertility issues, endometriosis, and cancers (breast, ovarian). Phthalates disrupt ovarian function; parabens accumulate in breast tissue; bisphenols alter menstrual cycles. Pregnant exposure links to preterm birth; adolescent to precocious puberty.

In SA, where period poverty affects 30% of girls (Stellenbosch University data), compounding vulnerabilities emerge—poorer communities rely on cheaper, potentially higher-EDC products. UFS's work illuminates these intersections.

South Africa's Regulatory Gaps Exposed

SA's South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) SANS 1043 mandates microbiological and absorbency tests but ignores EDCs. Cosmetics regs under Dept of Health classify pads vaguely; no mandatory chemical disclosure. Unlike EU's REACH restricting phthalates/BPA, SA lacks specifics for intimates.

Prof. Visser notes: "SABS... no standards regarding the chemicals we observed." Calls grow for transparency, echoing UFS advocacy. This gap fuels university research imperatives.

Global Echoes: EDCs in Menstrual Products Worldwide

UFS aligns with international findings: 2023 systematic review detected phthalates/parabens/phenols in global products; US studies VOCs/metals in tampons/pads. Spain's 2025 analysis found plastic additives in reusables too. Yet SA's first comprehensive data pioneers regional insight.

Practical Advice for Consumers

Prof. Visser recommends OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified pads—independently tested for 1,000+ substances. Reusables (cups, cloth pads) minimize exposure if washed properly. Avoid fragranced products.

• Check labels/certifications.
• Opt for organic cotton.
• Advocate for transparency.

For period poverty relief, reusables prove cost-effective long-term.

UFS Pioneering Innovations in Menstrual Health

Beyond detection, UFS develops "reusable sanitary pads with superpowers—antimicrobial properties." Stemming from radio discussions on girls' access, this addresses dual issues: safety and affordability. Part of broader menstrual health initiatives, it showcases university innovation translating research to products.

Such projects attract funding, collaborations—ideal for research assistant jobs in higher ed.

Tackling Period Poverty in South Africa

Statistics paint a stark picture: 7 million girls miss school monthly; 50% in some studies absent 5+ days per cycle. UFS research intersects here—EDCs exacerbate vulnerabilities in low-income settings. Universities lead via studies, distributions, policy advocacy.

For educators/researchers in this space, South African university jobs abound.

Photo by Odile on Unsplash

Looking Ahead: Calls for Action and Research

UFS urges manufacturers for full disclosure, regulators for EDC standards, consumers for informed choices. Future monitoring, longitudinal studies needed. This publication catalyzes change, affirming higher ed's societal role.

Explore careers advancing such science at higher ed jobs, rate professors at Rate My Professor, or seek advice via higher ed career advice. Stay informed, advocate for safer periods.