Recent scientific findings concerning disposable hygiene products have ignited widespread discussions across Nigeria regarding menstrual health safety, regulatory oversight, and the growing popularity of alternatives such as menstrual cups. In 2024, researchers from the Nigerian Defence Academy and the Air Force Institute of Technology in Kaduna evaluated 65 sanitary pad samples representing 16 major brands available in the country. Their laboratory analysis detected 34 volatile organic compounds, with 17 found across all 16 brands.
While the study remained largely unnoticed for nearly two years, a viral video published by medical practitioner Aniekwe Donald brought the data back into the public eye. This renewed attention prompted political and civil society responses. Senator Ireti Kingibe publicly urged the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) to investigate the findings. Shortly after, the advocacy group The She Mission Initiative lodged a formal joint petition with NAFDAC, SON, and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), calling for a comprehensive nationwide audit of disposable pads.
What are the regulatory and broader health contexts?
By early October, NAFDAC announced it had initiated laboratory evaluations on specific pad brands, focusing on parameters such as microbial limits and skin irritation potential. The agency categorizes disposable pads as regulated medical devices requiring proper registration, laboratory testing, and continuous post-market surveillance. Similar concerns are not unique to Nigeria; a study conducted earlier by the University of the Free State in South Africa identified hormone-disrupting chemicals in 16 local pad brands.
The Nigerian study's risk assessment models suggested that exposure levels exceeded safe reference points for the identified compounds, pointing to potential long-term risks affecting renal, hepatic, and reproductive health. However, these are theoretical risk models based on laboratory measurements rather than direct clinical observations of harm in users. The researchers refrained from advising women to abandon disposable pads entirely, instead recommending that regulatory authorities establish stricter quality benchmarks and pre-market testing protocols.
How are Nigerian women reacting to the safety concerns?
Despite the ongoing regulatory actions, many consumers are re-evaluating their choices, leading to varied opinions regarding menstrual management options.
Rita, a 26-year-old resident, expressed hesitation regarding internal devices, stating she prefers conventional methods due to years of consistent use without adverse incidents.
Conversely, Doyin, 28, noted that while menstrual cups represent a viable choice for interested individuals, the core issue lies in regulatory accountability. She emphasized the need for decisive action from NAFDAC rather than temporary public concern.
Meanwhile, Ebube, 32, raised concerns about accessibility and demographic limitations, pointing out that alternatives like menstrual cups are not universally suitable, particularly for teenagers or those uncomfortable with insertion methods.
Why is switching not a straightforward solution?
Advocating an immediate shift to alternative products overlooks broader socioeconomic challenges in Nigeria, particularly affordability and cultural preferences. Data from 2021 indicated that nearly 37 million women and girls in the country struggled to afford basic sanitary products. Experts argue that rather than pushing consumers toward unfamiliar alternatives, regulatory authorities must prioritize ensuring the safety and chemical integrity of widely accessible products currently on the market.