NAFDAC begins testing sanitary pads for volatile compounds after safety concerns
NAFDAC begins testing sanitary pads for volatile compounds after safety concerns
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) says it has commenced investigations into the safety of disposable sanitary pads following concerns over the presence of potentially harmful chemicals in some products.
The agency said it has also began assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in selected sanitary pads with valid marketing authorisation.
NAFDAC said the investigation followed growing concerns over findings from a 2024 study on VOCs in sanitary pads sold in Nigeria.
The study, conducted by researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy and published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, analysed 65 samples and detected 20 VOCs.
The agency said it is currently 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,” NAFDAC said.
It added that 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.
According to the agency, it uses the applicable Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in evaluating disposable sanitary pads.
NAFDAC also rejected claims that it does not test sanitary pads.
“The agency conducts laboratory evaluation of Disposable Sanitary Pad products submitted for regulatory approval and those sampled from post-market surveillance activities,” it said.
The agency added that manufacturers are required to meet applicable quality-management requirements, while product labelling is reviewed to ensure consumers receive information necessary for safe use.
On VOCs, NAFDAC said it is assessing select registered products and reviewing the regulatory experience of countries, including South Korea, on monitoring and reducing VOCs in menstrual products.
It said the assessment could lead to additional measures, including VOC testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, and stronger post-market surveillance.
NAFDAC, however, said any additional regulatory requirements would be based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
NAFDAC said 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.
It relayed that its priority is to protect public health and assured consumers that concerns involving menstrual health products would be assessed through scientific evidence, laboratory testing and regulatory investigation.
The development follows renewed concerns on social media about the safety of sanitary pads, with some women reporting itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using particular brands.
