ED Spread of chemophobia

The public uproar over Lilian sanitary pads is creating a fear of chemicals among Korean consumers.

Major retailers, convenience stores and drugstores have stopped selling the disputed pads after thousands of consumers raised health issues after using them, complaining of severe cramps, reduced menstrual bleeding, changes in their cycles and vaginal diseases. Kleannara, a local manufacturer of the allegedly hazardous pads, will provide a refund starting Aug. 28, but many are still enraged with the pads that were found to contain toxic chemicals.

A study conducted in March by the Korean Women’s Environmental Network showed 10 types of sanitary pads from domestic firms contained 22 harmful substances, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lilian pads were found to have the highest concentration of VOCs.

The company, which has the third-largest market share after Yuhan-Kimberly and LG Unicharm, may face a massive lawsuit as a local law firm is leading a movement to take class action.

Since it also produces diapers for babies and adults, toilet paper, wet wipes, cosmetic tissues, kitchen towels and other everyday items, many consumers are fretting over the safety of these products as well.

The public rage over the safety of sanitary pads follows a scare over pesticide-contaminated eggs. Fear of eggs has escalated in recent weeks after the government failed to effectively handle the scare and only said that tainted eggs do not pose major health problems unless one consumes huge amounts at once. The Moon Jae-in administration should not repeat this idle response in tackling the widening chemophobia.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has launched an investigation into the Lilian pads, but the investigation should not be limited to them. Authorities should promptly determine the kind of chemicals contained in all sanitary pads and their health hazards.

In addition to sanitary pads, the government should also check the chemicals in diapers and other hygiene products.