Gates Foundation Funds Research into Safety Standards for Period Products

The average woman in Austria uses approximately 17,000 tampons and pads throughout her lifetime. Despite being worn directly on or within the body for extended periods, period products are currently legally classified as simple consumer items, comparable to handkerchiefs, lacking the rigorous safety standards applied to medical devices. Dr. Elisabeth Mertl of the Austrian Research Institute for Chemistry and Technology (OFI) is leading research to develop international safety standards for these products, aiming to improve preventive healthcare for women.

Addressing a Gap in Safety Regulations

Currently, international safety standards akin to those governing medical products are absent for period products. This research seeks to address this gap by establishing a framework for evaluating the safety and quality of tampons, pads and other menstrual hygiene items. The project, initiated at OFI, has received funding from the Gates Foundation through 2027, although the specific amount of the grant has not been disclosed.

Collaboration with the Gates Foundation

“It wasn’t clear for a long time whether we could continue the research. It’s wonderful that the Gates Foundation is now making this possible,” stated Dr. Mertl. She noted a long-standing relationship with the foundation, which manages $47 billion in assets, leading to the development of several research ideas.

Research Methodology and Challenges

The initial phase of the project focuses on data collection to establish a foundation for developing comprehensive standards. A key challenge lies in finding a balance between the necessity of thorough safety testing and the potential financial burden that extensive testing could impose on manufacturers.

About OFI and Dr. Elisabeth Mertl

Dr. Elisabeth Mertl is a Senior Scientist at OFI, an independent testing and research institute. Her expertise lies in the field of medical devices, where she and her team conduct applied research to advance analytical methods for in-vitro tests, ultimately enhancing the quality and safety of medical products. More information about OFI’s work in this area can be found on their website.

Key Takeaways

• Period products currently lack the same safety regulations as medical devices.
• Dr. Elisabeth Mertl and OFI are researching international safety standards for period products.
• The Gates Foundation is funding the research through 2027.
• A key challenge is balancing safety testing with manufacturing costs.