Cancer Fears Surge as Popular Chinese Sanitary Pads Linked to Carcinogens – Urgent Breaking News
Seoul, South Korea – July 27, 2025 – A major health scare is unfolding in China, with mounting evidence linking a widely-used sanitary pad brand, ‘Myeonmima’ (also known as ‘Cotton Code’), to potentially dangerous levels of carcinogens. The pads, aggressively marketed by a prominent Chinese influencer, are now at the center of a growing controversy, with reports of dozens of users diagnosed with cancer and other serious health issues.
High-Level Carcinogen Detected in ‘Myeonmima’ Pads
Recent joint inspections by consumer rights organizations, media outlets, and local governments in China revealed alarmingly high concentrations of thiowea – a sulfuric organic compound classified as a Level 3 international cancer research agent by the IARC – in ‘Myeonmima’ sanitary pads. Tests showed levels as high as 1,6653.5 micrograms per gram (μg/g), far exceeding safe limits. Thiowea is known to disrupt thyroid function, impact reproductive health, and cause liver toxicity.
The pads were sold between September 2019 and January 2025, and some were even advertised as having a “medical rating,” a claim now under intense scrutiny. This revelation is particularly concerning given the lack of stringent regulations governing sanitary pad ingredients, leaving consumers vulnerable to potentially harmful products.
Influencer Marketing and a Growing Health Crisis
‘Myeonmima’ gained immense popularity after being promoted by a well-known Chinese influencer, ‘Wang Hong,’ in 2017. The brand boasted 10 million users and generated over 100 million yuan (approximately $19.2 billion won) in sales. The marketing emphasized a “tea polyphenol chip” with antioxidant properties, but experts now suspect this was a deceptive tactic to mask the presence of cheaper, potentially dangerous ingredients like thiowea.
The crisis began escalating with reports of health problems surfacing among users. More than 30 women have reportedly been diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and numerous other complaints include early pregnancy complications, birth defects, and postpartum health issues. A significant 35% of reported cases involve mothers and daughters who used the pads together for extended periods.
Company Denials and Calls for Regulation
Despite the mounting evidence, ‘Myeonmima’ maintains its innocence, issuing a statement claiming that independent tests commissioned by the company found no harmful residues. However, this assertion is being met with widespread skepticism. Public outcry is growing, with demands for stricter regulations on sanitary pad production and comprehensive epidemiological investigations to assess the full extent of the health impact.
The Silent Danger: Why Sanitary Pad Safety Needs Urgent Attention
This case highlights a critical gap in consumer protection. Sanitary pads, designed for intimate and prolonged contact, are often overlooked in safety regulations. The skin in the genital area is highly absorbent, increasing the risk of harmful chemicals being absorbed into the bloodstream. Unlike cosmetics or pharmaceuticals, sanitary pads often lack the same level of rigorous testing and ingredient disclosure.
What can you do? Consumers are advised to be vigilant about the products they use and to research brands thoroughly. Look for pads made with certified organic cotton and avoid products with vague or undisclosed ingredient lists. Advocacy groups are urging governments worldwide to implement stricter regulations and independent testing protocols for sanitary pads to ensure consumer safety.
The ‘Myeonmima’ scandal serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the feminine hygiene industry. As investigations continue and more information comes to light, this story will undoubtedly shape the future of sanitary pad safety standards and consumer awareness.
Stay tuned to archyde.com for the latest updates on this developing story and for in-depth coverage of consumer health and safety issues. We are committed to providing you with the information you need to make informed decisions about your well-being.
