By Ajibola Olaide, JKNewsMedia Reporter
SAFETY INVESTIGATIONS have begun into disposable sanitary pads following concerns over potentially harmful chemicals detected in some products sold in Nigeria.
JKNewsMedia.com reports that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it has commenced investigations into the safety of disposable sanitary pads and is assessing volatile organic compounds in selected products with valid marketing authorisation.
The agency said its move follows concerns raised by a 2024 study on volatile organic compounds in sanitary pads sold in Nigeria.
Researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) analysed 65 disposable sanitary pad samples and identified 17 volatile organic compounds across 16 brands.
The study reported that all 65 samples contained alkyl volatile organic compounds at varying concentrations. It identified 1,2-dibromo-3-chloropropane, 1,2-dibromoethane and 1,2-dichloropropane in all the brands analysed.
Dibromomethane recorded the highest concentration among the compounds identified, while 1,1-dichloroethene had the lowest concentration reported in the study.
The researchers also calculated systemic exposure doses and compared them with reference dose values.
They reported that the systemic exposure dose values exceeded the reference dose values for all the volatile organic compounds detected.
The study concluded that the findings indicated exposure to volatile organic compounds from the sanitary pads analysed and associated such exposure with potentially harmful effects, including toxicity to the liver, kidneys and central nervous system.
It called for appropriate testing of disposable sanitary pads before their distribution in Nigerian markets.
NAFDAC said it is separately investigating a complaint involving a named sanitary pad after sampling the product for laboratory evaluation.
“A complaint received on a named sanitary pad is currently being investigated as the product has been sampled for laboratory evaluation for safety including microbial limit and skin irritation tests,” the agency said.
NAFDAC said disposable sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and are subject to regulatory requirements covering registration, laboratory evaluation, manufacturing processes and post-market surveillance.
The agency said it uses the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, in evaluating disposable sanitary pads.
It also rejected claims that it does not test sanitary pads, saying it conducts laboratory evaluations of products submitted for regulatory approval and those sampled through post-market surveillance activities.
Manufacturers are required to meet applicable quality management requirements, while NAFDAC reviews product labelling to ensure consumers receive information necessary for safe use.
On volatile organic compounds, the agency said it is assessing selected registered products and reviewing the regulatory experience of countries, including South Korea, in monitoring and reducing volatile organic compounds in menstrual products.
NAFDAC said the assessment could lead to additional measures, including volatile organic compound testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, and stronger post-market surveillance.
The agency said any additional regulatory requirements would be based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
JKNewsMedia.com also reports that the NAFDAC added that registered sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their life cycle.
The agency said it is reviewing emerging scientific evidence on menstrual products and would strengthen its regulatory framework where necessary, adding that concerns involving menstrual health products would be assessed through scientific evidence, laboratory testing and regulatory investigation.
It also sai that the development follows renewed concerns on social media about sanitary pad safety, with some women reporting itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using particular brands.
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