PFAS Found in Toilet Paper: What You Need to Know
Growing concerns have emerged about PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, being found in everyday products in recent years.
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 PFAS are discovered in something as seemingly harmless as conventional toilet paper?
What are PFAS?
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industries since the 1940s. They're commonly found in products designed to repel grease, water, and stains.
However, their environmental persistence makes them problematic. They can remain in the environment for years, building up in both human and animal bodies, leading to potential health concerns like:
- Liver damage
- Immune system suppression
- Increased risk of certain cancers
- Hormonal disruptions
How Are PFAS Getting Into Toilet Paper?
You might be wondering, "How do they end up in toilet paper products?" The answer isn't entirely clear yet, but there are several possibilities:
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Recycled Paper Products: Many brands produce recycled toilet paper using repurposed materials.
If these recycled materials previously contained PFAS (such as food packaging, where these chemicals are commonly used in cardboard and paper packaging, or non-stick paper products), the chemicals can transfer into the final product.
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Manufacturing Processes: Some manufacturing processes may inadvertently introduce PFAS into the product.
For example, industrial water used during production could be contaminated with these "forever chemicals", which may bind to the toilet paper fibers.
- Bleaching and Treatments: Chemicals used to bleach or treat the paper for strength and softness could also be contaminated with PFAS, adding yet another route of exposure.
Why is PFAS in Toilet Paper a Concern?
The direct health risks of using toilet paper containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are still being studied but the environmental impact is clear.
PFAS-laden toilet paper can enter sewage systems and the broader water supply when flushed down the toilet.
These chemicals are then difficult and costly to remove from water during treatment processes, resulting in potential contamination of drinking water.
There’s a growing concern about they exposure from personal care products beyond the environmental impacts.
Their presence in such an essential household product is troubling event if it’s unclear if the PFAS levels in toilet paper are high enough to pose an immediate health risk to users.
How to Avoid PFAS in Your Toilet Paper
As awareness grows about harmful chemicals in everyday products, it's natural for consumers to want to avoid them whenever possible.
Here are some tips for choosing safer alternatives:
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Opt for 100% Bamboo or Virgin Pulp: Bamboo and other plant-based materials are less likely to contain them since they don’t rely on recycled content that may be contaminated.
- Research Brands: Look for brands that are transparent about their manufacturing processes and have tested for these types of chemicals.
Is Save Trees PFAS Free?
Our team has lab-tested our non PFAS toilet paper, paper towels, and facial tissues for organic fluorine, which is a key indicator of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
The lab results for our bamboo toilet paper and rest of the products show that the levels of fluorine are below the limit of detection, meaning there are no detectable PFAs in our products!
The Bottom Line
The discovery of PFAS in toilet paper is a stark reminder of how pervasive these "forever chemicals" have become in our everyday lives. While the risks are still being studied, it's clear that consumers should be vigilant about the products they use.
Opting for more natural, sustainable alternatives like bamboo toilet paper can help reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while also contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
Choosing products that are BPA-free, septic safe, and sourced from responsibly managed forests ensures both personal well-being and environmental responsibility.
Sources to stay up to date on PFAS:
Environmental Working Group (EWG). EWG has extensive research and articles on PFAS, including their prevalence in everyday items. They also maintain a dedicated database.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA provides in-depth information on the impact of these chemicals, their impact on the environment, and ongoing regulatory efforts.
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. This source offers studies and insights into the health impacts, including potential risks.
TIME Environmental Health 5 Minute Reads. Covers findings on their presence in toilet paper and related concerns.