Ireti Kingibe react to Nigerian doctor take on volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in disposable sanitary pads in Nigeria

A Nigerian doctor, Aniekwe Donald, has raised an alarm over the alleged presence of volatile organic compounds in disposable sanitary pads in Nigeria.

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In a viral video, Doctor Aniekwe said his social media handles have repeatedly been taken down after he asked what the Nigerian Administration for Food, Drug Administration and Control NAFDAC and the Standards Organization of Nigeria SON, had done concerning the 2024 recommendation from the Scientist of the Defence Academy and Scientists of the Airforce Institute of Technology, when their chemical analysis showed that sanitary pads in Nigeria contain Volatile Organic Compounds in varying concentrations. 

He argued that Nigerian women have the right to know the chemical compounds contained in the sanitary pads they wear. He also questioned why Nigerians cannot easily access the guidelines for the composition of sanitary pads made in Nigeria.

According to Aniekwe, sanitary pads with unwholesome components, aside from causing itching, rashes, dermatitis, or boils, can also cause hormonal imbalance, reproductive problems, menstrual cycle changes, and, in some cases, cancer and uterine disease. 

He accused affected brands of choosing to silence any woman complaining by sending them PR packages and forcing them to take review videos on social media. 

Reacting to his post, Kingibe said these concerns cannot be ignored and called on NAFDAC, SON and other relevant regulatory authorities to immediately investigate these findings, conduct comprehensive safety assessments, strengthen quality control measures, and provide clear and transparent information to the public.

‘’Women deserve access to safe menstrual hygiene products and the assurance that the products they use every month will not put their health at risk.” she said