Chloe Zhang
Toilet paper is an everyday necessity in our homes. Humans used all sorts of materials as alternatives before the invention of toilet paper, including sponges on a stick, leaves, animal furs, and even stones. The first mention of toilet paper appears in a journal from Chinese scholar Yen Chih-Thui, who pointed out that he wouldn't dare use paper with quotations or commentaries as toilet paper. While most toilet paper doesn't contain plastic in the product itself, it often comes packaged in plastic. In addition, a recent study has found that toilet paper from around the world contains toxic forever chemicals known as PFAS, which are linked to various health issues. This has raised concerns about the potential health and environmental impacts of PFAS in toilet paper. As a result, consumers are increasingly seeking plastic-free and eco-friendly toilet paper options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in toilet paper | Most toilet paper does not contain plastic. |
| Plastic packaging | Toilet paper often comes packaged in plastic, sometimes even in double plastic. |
| Biodegradability | Most toilet paper is biodegradable, but biodegradable toilet paper degrades four times quicker than regular toilet paper. |
| PFAS | A recent study found that all toilet paper contains PFAS, which are linked to various health issues. |
| Recycled paper | Toilet paper made from recycled paper may contain higher levels of PFAS. |
| Eco-friendly alternatives | Some eco-friendly alternatives to traditional toilet paper include Serious Tissues and Greencane, which are plastic-free and made from recycled materials. |
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What You'll Learn
- Most toilet paper does not contain plastic, but the packaging does
- PFAS forever chemicals are found in toilet paper, which are linked to health issues
- PFAS is used in paper manufacturing as a wetting agent
- Recycled paper used to make toilet paper may contain PFAS
- Greencane is a plastic-free toilet paper option, but it is bleached
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic, but the packaging does
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic. The paper is made from wood that goes through a process to become the toilet sheets we know today. However, toilet paper often comes packaged in plastic, sometimes even in double plastic. There may be plastic packaging on the outside, and each individual roll can be wrapped in plastic, too.
Toilet paper is one of those products we use every day, a necessity in our homes. Humans have used all sorts of materials as an alternative to toilet paper for thousands of years, including sponges on a stick, leaves, animal furs, and even stones. However, these alternatives seem unhygienic and uncomfortable.
The first toilet paper on a roll was produced by The Scott Paper Company in Philadelphia, USA, in 1879. It was the first time rolls were used instead of sheets, and it was the first time toilet paper became commercially available for everyone.
Today, many consumers are concerned about the environmental impact of toilet paper and prefer eco-friendly brands. Some companies, such as Oceans, offer toilet paper in fully recyclable paper packaging. Other companies, like Serious Tissues, offer toilet paper made from post-consumer recycled paper, delivered in boxes with zero plastic packaging.
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PFAS forever chemicals are found in toilet paper, which are linked to health issues
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), also known as "forever chemicals", have been found in toilet paper from brands around the world. PFAS are toxic, synthetic chemicals that are extremely persistent in the environment and have been linked to various health issues.
University of Florida researchers reported finding PFAS in 21 major toilet paper brands, although the brand names were not disclosed. The study, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, detected PFAS in toilet paper sourced from North America, Western Europe, Africa, Central America, and South America.
The study authors combined their findings with other studies analyzing PFAS in sewage worldwide. They determined that toilet paper contributed significantly to the presence of PFAS in wastewater treatment systems in some countries. Specifically, toilet paper was found to contribute up to 89% of 6:2 diPAP in sewage in France, up to 35% in Sweden, and about 4% in the US.
The primary PFAS compounds detected in the toilet paper and sewage samples were disubstituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (diPAPs), which can convert to more stable and potentially carcinogenic PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The most prevalent PFAS detected was 6:2 diPAP, which has been linked to impaired testicular function in men and can fragment into smaller compounds that persist in the environment and harm human health.
The presence of PFAS in toilet paper is concerning given the known health risks associated with PFAS exposure. These toxic chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, hypertension in pregnant people, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays in children, low birth weight, hormonal irregularities, elevated cholesterol, and a reduced effectiveness of the immune system. PFAS are found in a wide range of products, from personal care items to household goods, and their presence in toilet paper further demonstrates the ubiquity of these toxic chemicals in our daily lives.
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PFAS is used in paper manufacturing as a wetting agent
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are used in paper manufacturing as a wetting agent to increase the efficiency of the pulping process. PFAS are often used in recycled paper, which is used to manufacture some brands of toilet paper. PFAS are also used in the production of plastics, resins, and rubber. PFAS have been linked to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, hypertension in pregnant people, and increased risk of certain cancers. PFAS are found in many consumer products, including soaps, shampoos, cleaning products, clothing, and food packaging.
PFAS are used in paper manufacturing as a wetting agent because of their unique chemical and physical properties. PFAS can reduce the surface tension of aqueous solutions, improving wetting and rinse-off. This makes them useful in cleaning compositions and in controlling surface tension in photographic materials. PFAS are also used in coating products to reduce surface tension for substrate wetting, penetration, and dispersing. PFAS improve the wetting of composite resin fibers or fillers and speed the escape of bubbles.
PFAS are also used in other industrial applications, such as electrical equipment, machinery manufacturing, and paint and coating manufacturing. PFAS have been used as processing aids, raw materials, or manufacturing intermediates in fluoropolymer production. PFAS can be made into plastics and have hundreds of uses in consumer and industrial products. PFAS are used in silicone rubber sealants to make the seal soil resistant and as mold-release agents for thermoplastics, polypropylene, and epoxy resins.
PFAS have been detected in wildlife, human blood, and breast milk. The presence of PFAS in toilet paper provides another route for the chemical to enter groundwater and drinking water. PFAS usage in toilet paper contributes to the amount of PFAS in wastewater systems. The species of PFAS known as 6:2 diPAP, which has been linked to impaired testicular function in men, was the most present in both toilet paper and sewage samples. This chemical represented 91% of all of the PFAS detected in the toilet paper samples and 54% in the sewage sludge.
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Recycled paper used to make toilet paper may contain PFAS
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. However, according to a study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, toilet paper, including major brands sold around the world, is a source of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are also known as "forever chemicals" and have been linked to a range of health issues, including decreased fertility, hypertension in pregnant people, increased risk of certain cancers, developmental delays in children, low birth weight, and more.
PFAS are used in paper manufacturing as wetting agents to increase the efficiency of the pulping process. Recycled paper, which is used to make some brands of toilet paper, can already contain PFAS from its initial manufacturing. This means that when the recycled paper is used to make toilet paper, it may be exposed to PFAS a second time.
The study, led by Timothy Townsend of the University of Florida, sampled commercially available brands of toilet paper and wastewater sludge from four regions: North America, Africa, South and Central America, and Western Europe. The researchers found that PFAS were present in both the toilet paper and sewage samples, with 6:2 diPAP being the most prevalent compound. This particular PFAS species has been linked to impaired testicular function in men and can interact with human waste to form more complex PFAS compounds over time.
The presence of PFAS in toilet paper is concerning as it provides another route for these chemicals to enter groundwater and drinking water supplies. PFAS have already been detected in wildlife, human blood, and breast milk. While most toilet paper is biodegradable, the study highlights the need to find new ways to manufacture toilet paper without the inclusion of PFAS to protect the environment and human health.
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Greencane is a plastic-free toilet paper option, but it is bleached
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. However, it often comes packaged in plastic, and sometimes even in double plastic. There are some plastic-free toilet paper options available, such as Greencane, which is delivered in a cardboard box with no plastic packaging. The only plastic found was a small bit of plastic on the outside of the box containing the invoice. The rolls are also longer, lasting longer than the standard nine-roll pack. However, it is important to note that Greencane does bleach its toilet paper to make it white, although it does not use chlorine in the bleaching process. They state, "The key detail with our paper is that we do not use chlorine-based bleaches".
While Greencane is a plastic-free option, there are other eco-friendly alternatives available that are also bleach-free. For example, PlantPaper is a bamboo toilet paper that is 100% bleach and formaldehyde-free. Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on the planet and produces 35% more oxygen. It also requires 30% less water than pulping trees. Additionally, it breaks down quickly and completely in septic systems. Another option is Eco Cheeks, an Australian company that makes unbleached bamboo toilet paper using 100% FSC bamboo.
Serious Tissues is another plastic-free toilet paper option made from post-consumer recycled paper, such as magazines, newspapers, and packaging. They use a non-chlorine-based reducing agent to make their toilet roll white, but it is unclear what alternative they use. ARIA is another recycled toilet paper option with over 90% post-consumer content, and their packaging is responsibly sourced. Natural Value is a 2-ply tissue made with a minimum of 80% post-consumer recycled content, and they do not use chlorine bleach.
While most toilet paper does not contain plastic, it is important to consider the packaging, which often does. Plastic-free options are available, such as Greencane, but it is important to note that it is bleached. Other eco-friendly and bleach-free alternatives include PlantPaper, Eco Cheeks, Serious Tissues, ARIA, and Natural Value.
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Frequently asked questions
Most toilet paper does not contain plastic in the product itself. However, it often comes packaged in plastic, and sometimes even in double plastic.
Most toilet paper is made from wood pulp that goes through a whole process to become the toilet sheets. Toilet paper was invented by Joseph Gayetty in the USA in the 19th century.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters found that all toilet paper contains PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which have been linked to various health issues including decreased fertility, hypertension in pregnant people, and increased risk of certain cancers.
Some alternatives to toilet paper that do not contain PFAS include sponges on a stick, leaves, animal furs, and stones.
