The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched an investigation into the safety of disposable sanitary pads in Nigeria amid concerns over potentially harmful chemicals in some menstrual hygiene products.

NAFDAC also said it is assessing volatile organic compounds in selected sanitary pads that have valid marketing authorisation as part of efforts to strengthen the regulation and monitoring of the products.

The development follows renewed public concern over a 2024 study by researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy, published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences.

2024 Study Identified 20 VOCs

The study analysed 65 sanitary pad samples and reported detecting 20 volatile organic compounds in the products sold in Nigeria.

The findings have since generated renewed discussions on social media, with some women sharing experiences of itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using certain sanitary pad brands.

However, the detection of chemical compounds in a product does not by itself establish that the product is unsafe. Their concentration, level of exposure and potential health effects are among the factors that require scientific assessment.

NAFDAC Investigates Complaint Against Brand

NAFDAC said it is currently investigating a complaint concerning a named sanitary pad brand after samples of the product were collected for laboratory evaluation.

According to the agency, the tests will include microbial-limit assessments and skin-irritation tests to determine the product’s safety.

NAFDAC said the investigation is part of its broader regulatory responsibility to ensure that menstrual hygiene products available to consumers meet applicable safety and quality requirements.

Agency Rejects Claims It Does Not Test Pads

The agency also rejected claims that disposable sanitary pads are not subjected to laboratory testing in Nigeria.

NAFDAC explained that sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and are subject to registration, laboratory evaluation, manufacturing requirements and post-market surveillance.

It said its laboratory evaluation covers products submitted for regulatory approval as well as products sampled during post-market surveillance activities.

The agency further stated that it uses Nigerian Industrial Standard NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, in evaluating disposable sanitary pads.

NAFDAC added that manufacturers are required to meet applicable quality-management requirements, while product labels are reviewed to ensure consumers have relevant information for safe use.

NAFDAC Reviews VOC Regulations

Beyond the current investigation, NAFDAC said it is reviewing how countries such as South Korea regulate and monitor volatile organic compounds in menstrual products.

The agency said measures under consideration include VOC testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, as well as stronger post-market surveillance.

According to NAFDAC, any additional regulatory requirements will be based on scientific evidence and risk assessment, with relevant stakeholders consulted before new measures are introduced.

The agency said registered sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their life cycle. NAFDAC’s current Greenbook also lists numerous sanitary-pad products under its medical-device category.

Public Health Remains Priority

NAFDAC said it would continue to review emerging scientific evidence concerning menstrual hygiene products and strengthen its regulatory framework where necessary.

The agency stressed that its priority is public health, adding that concerns surrounding sanitary pads would be assessed through scientific evidence, laboratory testing and regulatory investigation.

For now, NAFDAC’s investigation is ongoing, and the agency has not announced findings establishing that the sanitary pads under review are unsafe.

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