NAFDAC begins testing registered sanitary pads for volatile organic compounds after a 2024 study and renewed concerns over menstrual product safety in Nigeria.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced investigations into the safety of disposable sanitary pads in Nigeria following concerns about potentially harmful chemicals in some menstrual products.

The agency said it has begun assessing volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in selected sanitary pads with valid marketing authorisation, while investigating a complaint involving a named product that has been sampled for laboratory evaluation.

The investigation comes amid renewed concerns on social media, where some women have reported itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using particular sanitary pad brands.

NAFDAC said the ongoing assessment would help determine whether additional regulatory measures are necessary to strengthen the safety monitoring of menstrual products.

2024 study detected 20 volatile compounds

According to NAFDAC, the investigation follows concerns arising from a 2024 study examining 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 sanitary pad samples and detected 20 volatile organic compounds.

VOCs are chemicals that can readily evaporate into the air at room temperature. Their presence does not automatically establish that a product is unsafe; potential health risks depend on factors including the specific compounds detected, their concentrations, exposure levels and the effects of that exposure.

NAFDAC said it is assessing selected registered products for VOCs and reviewing the regulatory experience of other countries, including South Korea, on monitoring and reducing these compounds in menstrual products.

NAFDAC investigates complaint involving sanitary pad

The agency said it is also investigating a complaint involving a named sanitary pad brand after collecting samples 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.

The laboratory evaluation is intended to assess the product’s safety, including its microbial limits and potential to cause skin irritation. The agency did not disclose the outcome of the tests in the information provided.

NAFDAC also rejected claims that it does not test sanitary pads, explaining that its laboratory evaluations cover products submitted for regulatory approval as well as those collected through post-market surveillance.

How sanitary pads are regulated in Nigeria

NAFDAC said disposable sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and must meet regulatory requirements covering product 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 (SON), when evaluating disposable sanitary pads.

Manufacturers are also required to meet applicable quality-management requirements, while product labels are reviewed to ensure consumers receive information necessary for safe use.

NAFDAC added that sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook, its register of authorised products, remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their life cycle.

VOC testing could lead to additional safety measures

NAFDAC said its ongoing assessment could lead to additional regulatory measures, depending on the scientific evidence and risk assessment findings.

Possible measures include introducing VOC testing and monitoring requirements, restricting substances identified as presenting regulatory concerns, requiring the disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, and strengthening post-market surveillance.

However, the agency stressed that any additional requirements would be based on scientific evidence, risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.

It said it is reviewing emerging scientific evidence on menstrual products and would strengthen its regulatory framework where necessary.

What consumers should know

The investigation follows growing public interest in the safety of menstrual products, particularly after reports of discomfort and skin reactions associated with some sanitary pad brands.

While such reports warrant investigation, individual experiences and the detection of chemical compounds do not, on their own, establish that a particular product is unsafe. Laboratory findings and appropriate risk assessments are needed to determine whether specific substances or products pose a health concern.

NAFDAC said 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 outcome of the ongoing assessments is expected to inform whether further regulatory action is required to address potential risks associated with disposable sanitary pads in Nigeria.