PFAS Found in Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know

by Dev MG September 24, 2024

Key Takeaways

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, aka PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are in some traditional TP brands.
PFAS can enter toilet paper through recycled materials, manufacturing processes or chemical treatments for bleaching or softness.
Scientists have linked PFAS to environmental persistence and health risks, including immune disruption, hormonal effects and cancers.
When flushed, PFAS can contaminate wastewater and drinking water because they’re difficult to remove during treatment.
You can choose bamboo or virgin-pulp toilet paper to minimize exposure to PFAS.
Save Trees products are lab-tested for organic fluorine, showing no detectable PFAS in bamboo TP, paper towels or tissues.

Your toilet paper is one of the last places you want to find harsh chemicals. Still, concerns have emerged about PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, appearing in everyday products.

From cookware to food packaging, these chemicals are known for their durability and resistance to heat, oil and water. Unfortunately, their persistence in the environment and potential health risks have led to them being dubbed "forever chemicals."

But what happens when you discover PFAS in something as seemingly harmless as conventional toilet paper? That’s a red flag, but you can take simple steps to avoid them.

What Are PFAS?

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a group of humanmade chemicals. A variety of industries have used them since the 1940s, often in products designed to repel grease, water and stains.

PFAS’ environmental persistence makes them problematic. They can remain in the ecosystem for years, building up in both human and animal bodies. In turn, they lead to potential health risks:

Liver damage
Immune system suppression
Increased risk of certain cancers
Hormonal disruptions

That’s a major cause for pause. So how do they get into something as ordinary as toilet paper?

How Are PFAS Getting Into Toilet Paper?

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why PFAS are appearing in toilet paper products. A 2023 American Chemical Society study detected 6:2 diPAP, a type of PFAS, in toilet paper samples worldwide.

However, several causes of the phenomenon are valid.

Recycled Paper Products

Many brands produce recycled toilet paper using repurposed materials. Let’s say these recycled materials previously contained PFAS, such as food packaging.

PFAS are common in cardboard and paper packaging or nonstick paper products. The chemicals can transfer into the final product: that is, recycled toilet paper.

Manufacturing Processes

Some manufacturing processes may unintentionally introduce PFAS into a product.

For example, industrial water manufacturers use during production could be contaminated with PFAS. As production continues, PFAS may bind to the toilet paper fibers.

Bleaching and Chemical Treatments

Some TP companies use chemicals to bleach or treat paper for strength, brightness or softness. These chemicals can be contaminated with PFAS that transfer to the TP, even if in trace amounts.

It’s yet one more route to potential exposure.

Why Are PFAS in Toilet Paper a Concern?

Researchers are studying the direct health risks of using PFAS-contaminated toilet paper, but the environmental impact is clear.

Toilet paper with PFAS enters sewage systems and the broader water supply when you flush it down the toilet. These chemicals are difficult and costly to remove from water during treatment processes, resulting in potential drinking water contamination.

Beyond the environmental impacts, people are growing increasingly worried about PFAS exposure from personal care products like toilet paper.

Their presence in such a household essential is troubling. It’s fair cause for concern even if scientists aren’t absolutely certain whether toilet paper’s PFAS levels are high enough to pose immediate health risks.

How To Avoid PFAS in Your Toilet Paper

As awareness grows about harmful chemicals in everyday products, it's natural that you’d want to avoid them whenever possible. Here are some tips for choosing safer alternatives:

Opt for 100% bamboo or virgin-pulp TP. Bamboo and other plant-based materials are less likely to contain PFAS. They don’t rely on potentially contaminated recycled content.
Research brands. Look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and have tested for these types of chemicals. And be on the lookout for greenwashing.

Because PFAS testing isn’t yet standard across the industry, it helps to choose brands that can actually prove they’re PFAS-free.

Is Save Trees PFAS-Free?

Yes, Save Trees paper products are free of PFAS.

Our team has lab-tested our non-PFAS toilet paper, paper towels and facial tissues for organic fluorine. It’s a key indicator of PFAS.

Lab results for our bamboo toilet paper and other products show the fluorine levels are below the limit of detection. There are no detectable PFAs in our bamboo paper products!

So you can shop smart, cleanse comfortably and rest assured we’re committed to purity from stalk to roll.

The Bottom Line: PFAS and TP

Finding PFAS in toilet paper is a stark reminder of how pervasive these "forever chemicals" are in our lives. While scientists are still researching the risks, it's clear we all should be vigilant about the products we use.

Opting for more natural, sustainable alternatives like PFAS-free bamboo toilet paper helps reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals. At the same time, you contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Choosing products that are BPA-free, septic safe and sourced from responsibly managed forests enhances your personal well-being and environmental responsibility.

Shop Save Trees PFAS-Free Bamboo Toilet Paper

You shouldn’t have to stop and wonder whether your toilet paper contains toxic chemicals. Go about your daily business with peace of mind with Save Trees (formerly Cloud Paper).

We’re dedicated to delivering you bamboo paper products with the softest, safest ingredients possible. You’ll do good for the Earth along the way.

Browse our shop for PFAS-free toilet paper, paper towels and tissues.

Sources: Stay Up to Date on PFAS

Here’s a roundup of trusted organizations and publications that share reliable updates on PFAS research, regulation and consumer safety:

Environmental Working Group (EWG). The EWG publishes extensive research and articles on PFAS, including their prevalence in everyday household items. The group also maintains a dedicated PFAS database. Read EWG’s PFAS research.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA provides detailed information about PFAS’ environmental impact, potential health effects and ongoing regulatory actions. See EPA data about PFAS.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Harvard researchers offer peer-reviewed studies and insights into PFAS exposure, health risks and long-term effects. Read Harvard’s PFAS insights.
TIME Environmental Health 5-Minute Reads. TIME regularly covers PFAS findings in consumer products, including toilet paper, and explores their broader environmental implications. Discover TIME’s PFAS coverage.