South Africa’s (SA) Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi says chemicals that may affect hormones have been found in some sanitary pads and pantyliners, but this is not a new issue.

Motsoaledi was explaining the findings of a study released last month by the Department of Chemistry at the University of the Free State.

He said the risk to women’s health is very small if the chemicals remain within allowed safety limits.

Motsoaledi added that these types of chemicals, known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, are also found in many everyday places.

He referred to research from China, which showed that about 40% of these chemicals come from food. Smaller amounts can also be found in dust, home cleaning products and other personal care items.

–ChannelAfrica–