The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has commenced a full investigation into the safety of disposable sanitary pads in circulation following public outcry over potentially harmful chemicals.
The agency, in a statement released on October 2, said it has also begun assessing Volatile Organic Compounds, VOCs, in selected sanitary pads with valid marketing authorization.
NAFDAC said the action was triggered by a 2024 study conducted by researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy and published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, which analysed 65 samples of sanitary pads sold in Nigeria and detected 20 VOCs.
Addressing public concerns, the agency confirmed it is also probing a specific product complaint:
“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 agency rejected claims that it does not test sanitary pads, insisting that all products undergo rigorous checks:
“The agency conducts laboratory evaluation of Disposable Sanitary Pad products submitted for regulatory approval and those sampled from post-market surveillance activities,” it stated.
NAFDAC explained that disposable sanitary pads are classified as Class I medical devices and are evaluated using the Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, SON.
According to NAFDAC, manufacturers are required to comply with quality-management requirements, while product labels are reviewed to ensure consumers receive information necessary for safe use.
The agency added that it is reviewing how countries like South Korea monitor and reduce VOCs in menstrual products, noting that additional measures being considered include VOC testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances of regulatory concern, disclosure of fragrances and other constituents, and stronger post-market surveillance.