Cotton Password Scandal: Toxic Sanitary Napkins Linked to Thyroid Cancer Spark Outrage in China

The incident, known as the "棉密码卫生巾事件" or Cotton Password Sanitary Napkin Incident in English, has trended significantly on social media and news outlets due to its severe health implications, including the alleged link to thyroid cancer. This has naturally drawn widespread public attention and concern, amplifying the reach and impact of the scandal due to the serious nature of the health risk involved.

A significant number of consumers have organized, sending samples of the sanitary napkins for testing and sharing their personal stories of illness. This collective action has led to a strong public narrative of victimhood and product harm, further fueling the public's interest and concern. Various media outlets, including the New Beijing News, have reported on the discovery of thiourea in multiple batches of the sanitary napkins, validating some of the consumer claims and increasing the public's scrutiny of the brand and its associated celebrity.

The brand's connection to Xinba, a prominent internet celebrity with a large following, has also played a significant role in amplifying the scandal's reach and impact. Notably, Xinba was previously involved in another controversy known as the "bird's nest incident," which has added to the public's scrutiny and distrust of the brand.

Complicating the matter are conflicting reports regarding the safety of the sanitary napkins. While consumers and some private tests show high levels of thiourea, Xinba's side claims that official inspections by the Shantou market supervision department found the products to be compliant and safe. This contentious debate has further fueled public interest and concern, as it directly pertains to the alleged health risk posed by the product.

The identification of thiourea as the alleged toxic substance, and its high reported concentration in some samples (e.g., 16653.4679μg/g), has made the health risk tangible and concerning to the public. This has contributed to the widespread attention the incident has received, as it directly pertains to the health and well-being of consumers who have used the product.

The appropriate translation of "棉密码卫生巾事件" can vary depending on the context and desired emphasis. Common translations include "Cotton Code Sanitary Napkin Incident," "Cotton Secret Sanitary Pad Incident," and "Mian Mima Sanitary Napkin Incident," using the pinyin of the brand name which might be preferred for retaining the original Chinese pronunciation or recognition by some audiences. However, for clarity and directness, "Cotton Password Sanitary Napkin Incident" is used here to refer to the scandal.

The scandal highlights the importance of consumer vigilance and the need for transparent and reliable product safety testing. It also underscores the challenges of navigating health scandals in the digital age, where information can spread rapidly and the distinction between verified and unverified claims can become blurred. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains crucial for consumers, brands, and regulatory bodies to prioritize transparency, accountability, and above all, consumer safety.