Pretoria: The government is set to hold a media briefing on Sunday to address and clarify the implications of recent research findings on sanitary pads. This research, published by the Department of Chemistry at the University of Free State last month, has sparked widespread concern.

According to South African Government News Agency, various government departments and public entities with regulatory mandates have been inundated with inquiries following the study. The research identified the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as parabens, phthalates, and bisphenols, in some sanitary pads and panty liners available in South Africa. These findings have raised questions about potential health and regulatory implications.

The upcoming briefing will be conducted by the Social Protection, Community and Human Development Cluster in Pretoria at 10 am. The event will feature a panel that includes representatives from the Ministries of Health; Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Trade, Industry and Competition; the National Consumer Commission; and both local and international experts.

This briefing coincides with South Africa’s participation in the global commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 8. The day highlights the ongoing fight for gender equality, women’s rights, and issues such as reproductive rights and violence against women.