A new study by the University of the Free State (UFS) has revealed that many sanitary pads and pantyliners sold in South Africa contain hormone‑disrupting chemicals, even in products marketed as free from harmful substances. The research tested 16 brands of sanitary pads and eight types of pantyliners available locally, focusing on three groups of endocrine‑disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Thabiso Tema spoke to Prof. Deon Visser, lead scientist and senior researcher overseeing the study.