A Storm In A (Tiny) Teacup?
Loading player...
A Storm In A (Tiny) Teacup?
Endocrine Disruptors in Sanitary Products: What the New Research Means
Episode Summary
Recent research from the University of the Free State has raised questions about the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary products sold in South Africa. These chemicals, often used in plastics and preservatives, may interfere with the body’s hormone system.
In this episode we break down the research in simple terms, explain what endocrine disruptors are, and explore why long-term exposure may matter.
We also look at practical steps women can take if they want to reduce exposure to these chemicals in everyday hygiene products.
Topics Covered
• What endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are
• How hormones work in the endocrine system
• The three main classes of chemicals identified in the study
• What the University of the Free State research examined
• Why long-term exposure through sanitary products may be concerning
• Possible steps women can take to reduce exposure
• Product certification systems that may help identify safer options
Research Mentioned
University of the Free State Research Study
https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive/campus-news/2026/february/ufs-study-detects-hormone-disrupting-chemicals-in-menstrual-products-sold-in-south-africa
Full Research Paper (PubMed)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41666673/
Learn more about the certification system:
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100/
Verify a product certification number
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/label-check/
Brands Mentioned
Gentle Day sanitary products (example of OEKO-TEX certified brand)
https://gentleday.co.za/?srsltid=AfmBOoqvHHxNsusm6-y9oaLLbZ6lsBrenGOLkyKAr6uVvH9YV2arDunu
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter
https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=ThcAjt&g=WNXB6E
Visit the Integrow Health online store
https://integrow.co.za/
Follow us on social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integrowhealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrowhealth/
Share This Episode
If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from understanding more about endocrine disruptors and everyday product exposure.
Endocrine Disruptors in Sanitary Products: What the New Research Means
Episode Summary
Recent research from the University of the Free State has raised questions about the presence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in sanitary products sold in South Africa. These chemicals, often used in plastics and preservatives, may interfere with the body’s hormone system.
In this episode we break down the research in simple terms, explain what endocrine disruptors are, and explore why long-term exposure may matter.
We also look at practical steps women can take if they want to reduce exposure to these chemicals in everyday hygiene products.
Topics Covered
• What endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are
• How hormones work in the endocrine system
• The three main classes of chemicals identified in the study
• What the University of the Free State research examined
• Why long-term exposure through sanitary products may be concerning
• Possible steps women can take to reduce exposure
• Product certification systems that may help identify safer options
Research Mentioned
University of the Free State Research Study
https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive/campus-news/2026/february/ufs-study-detects-hormone-disrupting-chemicals-in-menstrual-products-sold-in-south-africa
Full Research Paper (PubMed)
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41666673/
Learn more about the certification system:
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/our-standards/oeko-tex-standard-100/
Verify a product certification number
https://www.oeko-tex.com/en/label-check/
Brands Mentioned
Gentle Day sanitary products (example of OEKO-TEX certified brand)
https://gentleday.co.za/?srsltid=AfmBOoqvHHxNsusm6-y9oaLLbZ6lsBrenGOLkyKAr6uVvH9YV2arDunu
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our newsletter
https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=ThcAjt&g=WNXB6E
Visit the Integrow Health online store
https://integrow.co.za/
Follow us on social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integrowhealth
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrowhealth/
Share This Episode
If you found this episode helpful, consider sharing it with someone who may benefit from understanding more about endocrine disruptors and everyday product exposure.
Chapters
- 00:03 Intro
- 00:57 Content
- 01:37 What are Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)?
- 05:20 What Was Studied?
- 05:53 What Did The Study Find?
- 06:07 What Does This Mean?
- 06:46 How Big Is The Problem?
- 07:26 Is It Time To Panic?
- 08:43 So What's A Pretty Girl Gotta Do?
- 11:30 The Eagle Eye's View
- 13:04 Outro
