A Cardiff University scientist has joined a UK panel of experts tasked with feeding back on standards to ensure the safety of menstrual products globally.
Dr Jennifer Edwards of the School of Chemistry will bring expertise in applied catalysis, a field in which she has led the development of a self-cleaning period product designed to kill up to 99.999% of bacteria when exposed to sunlight.
As a member of the national British Standards Institution committee, Dr Edwards will feedback on standards proposed by the International Organisation for Standardisation committee ISO/TC 338, which aims to:
- provide a global definition of quality, encompassing both safety and performance
- increase accessibility and availability of menstrual products globally
- foster a positive global conversation about menstruation
- improve consumer access to information about menstrual products.
Dr Edwards, a Reader in the Cardiff Catalysis Institute, said: "Certifying to medical device standards was the most rigorous and responsible benchmark we had available to ensure the safety and quality of 'out of laboratory' studies for our pads. So, it's really exciting to be part of the global effort to standardise menstrual products by joining the UK group."
We'll be supporting colleagues in the international ISO/TC 338 group, feeding back on their proposals, which not only seek to set the standard for the whole spectrum of period products but also, prioritise access and safety along the way.
Every day, approximately 300 million individuals are menstruating, yet there is no global ISO standard for safe and effective menstrual products.
This lack of harmonised global standards for the safety and quality of menstrual products is contrasted with the stringent regulations for other products used on or inside the body, such as condoms and wound dressings.
The proposed standardisation addresses this gap, promoting broader access to safe and effective menstrual products, which is essential for full societal participation of those who menstruate.
Dr Edwards added: "One thing I've learnt through our work developing self-cleaning period products is that menstrual health means much more than the absence of bacteria. It's about access and an overarching sense of well-being for individuals during their cycle, encompassing physical, mental, and social aspects.
"This is central to the proposed standards being drawn up by our colleagues and something I'm a huge advocate for."
I look forward to contributing my expertise to the process, which seeks to bring about the first global ISO standard for safe and effective menstrual products.
