NAFDAC Begins Testing Sanitary Pads for Volatile Compounds Amid Safety Concerns
By Fact Harbour News
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced fresh investigations into the safety of disposable sanitary pads sold in Nigeria following renewed concerns about the chemical composition of some menstrual products.
The agency said it has begun assessing selected sanitary pads with valid NAFDAC marketing authorisation for the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), while also investigating a complaint involving a particular sanitary pad product.
NAFDAC disclosed the development amid renewed public discussions about the safety of menstrual products, particularly following concerns arising from scientific research on VOCs detected in sanitary pads sold in Nigeria.
According to the agency, a complaint involving a named sanitary pad is already being investigated. Samples of the product have been obtained for laboratory evaluation, including tests relating to microbial limits and possible skin irritation.
The agency’s decision to expand its vigilance activities comes after renewed attention to a 2024 study that examined disposable sanitary pads available in the Nigerian market. The research, conducted by scientists from the Nigerian Defence Academy and published in the Bayero Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences, analysed 65 sanitary-pad samples and reported the detection of 20 volatile organic compounds.
The findings have since generated public discussion about the substances used in menstrual products and the extent to which they may affect consumers. However, the detection of a chemical compound in a product does not by itself establish that the product is unsafe. The potential health significance can depend on the particular substance, its concentration, exposure level and other scientific factors.
NAFDAC said its current assessment is intended to provide evidence that can guide regulatory decisions rather than relying solely on claims circulating on social media.
The agency also rejected claims that it does not conduct laboratory evaluations on sanitary pads. NAFDAC explained that disposable sanitary pads are subject to laboratory assessment during regulatory approval and that products can also be sampled from the market as part of post-market surveillance.
NAFDAC classifies disposable sanitary pads as Class I medical devices. The products are therefore subject to regulatory requirements covering registration, laboratory evaluation, manufacturing processes and monitoring after they enter the market.
The agency said it applies the Nigerian Industrial Standard, NIS 291, developed by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), in evaluating disposable sanitary pads. Manufacturers are also expected to comply with applicable quality-management requirements, while product labels are reviewed to ensure consumers receive relevant information for safe use.
Beyond the current laboratory investigation, NAFDAC said it is examining how other countries regulate volatile organic compounds in menstrual products. South Korea is among the countries whose regulatory experience is being reviewed as part of the agency’s assessment.
The review could eventually lead to additional regulatory measures if scientific evidence and risk assessments justify them. Possible measures identified by NAFDAC include additional VOC testing and monitoring, restrictions on substances considered to pose regulatory concerns, greater disclosure of fragrances and other relevant constituents, and stronger post-market surveillance.
NAFDAC stressed that any new requirements would not be introduced simply on the basis of public concern. The agency said regulatory decisions would be guided by scientific evidence, risk assessment and consultation with relevant stakeholders.
The development follows a petition submitted by The She Mission Initiatives, a women-focused non-governmental organisation, to NAFDAC, SON and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC). The organisation called for a nationwide post-market audit and comprehensive laboratory testing of sanitary pads manufactured locally and imported into Nigeria.
The petition also drew attention to the 2024 research on volatile compounds in sanitary pads and called for greater regulatory scrutiny of menstrual products.
Public concern has meanwhile intensified on social media, with some women reporting experiences such as itching, burning sensations and other reactions after using particular sanitary-pad brands. Such individual reports, however, do not automatically establish that a particular product is responsible for a medical condition, making laboratory testing and proper investigation important in determining the cause of reported reactions.
NAFDAC said sanitary pads listed in its Greenbook, which contains registered products, remain subject to regulatory monitoring throughout their product life cycle. The agency added that it is continuing to review emerging scientific evidence concerning menstrual products and will strengthen its regulatory framework where necessary.
The agency’s latest action is therefore focused on establishing what the available evidence shows about the safety of products currently on the Nigerian market. Until laboratory evaluations and investigations are completed, consumers should distinguish between confirmed regulatory findings and unverified claims circulating online.
NAFDAC said the protection of public health remains its priority and that concerns involving menstrual health products will continue to be assessed through laboratory testing, scientific evidence and regulatory investigation.
The outcome of the ongoing VOC assessment and the separate complaint investigation could determine whether additional safety requirements or other regulatory measures will be introduced for sanitary-pad manufacturers and importers in Nigeria.
