Ever heard of forever chemicals? We’ll tell you they’re not chemicals that make you “forever young.” These are man-made chemicals that don’t break down easily in the environment or our bodies. Forever chemicals, formally called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), build up in your body over time. You may be asking, “Okay, but are they that bad?” When they do things like disrupt hormones, damage the immune system, trigger liver and kidney problems, and even increase the risk of certain cancers? Yes, they’re that bad.
These high levels of PFAS are found in lots of consumer products, including some you probably have in your house. You can find them in things like nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, food packaging, cosmetics, and even some paper goods. Taking steps to remove forever chemicals from your home is a significant way to improve your health and wellness.
So, where do you start? Swap Teflon for PFAS-free non-stick cookware. Opt for ceramic containers or silicone bags over coated food wrappers. Find clean beauty options and ditch chemical-filled cosmetics. These small steps can make a positive impact. But what about your toilet paper? We use it every day, so it’s kind of a big deal if it includes forever chemicals. Right?
In this post, we’ll answer the question: does toilet paper have PFAS?
Are There Forever Chemicals In Toilet Paper?
If you’ve followed The Skinny Confidential for a while, you know this isn’t our first time discussing forever chemicals. We’ve covered everything from leggings without forever chemicals to non-toxic home swaps, but now it’s time to look deeper. And honestly, toilet paper seems simple enough. They’re rolls of paper: How toxic could they be? But, we’ve got some bad news. Conventional toilet paper is FULL of toxins. In this post, we’ll talk about everything from whatever forever chemicals are to how toilet paper contributes to their spread. It’s time to really know about the dangers of traditional toilet paper.
Here’s what you need to know:
What Are Forever Chemicals?
Forever chemicals, or PFAS compounds, are synthetic chemicals that persist in the environment and our bodies because they resist breaking down. A recent study published from University of Flordia researchers (Jake Thompson, Timothy Townsend, and a handful of others), found PFAS detected in everything from drinking water to personal care products. Even worse, these products contributed to the spread of forever chemicals across North America.
Their work, featured in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, also showed how PFAS in wastewater and at wastewater treatment plants keeps these chemicals circulating. Because they hang around for so long, these forever chemicals can lead to some serious health issues. This is why it’s more important than ever to figure out ways to stop the spread and ditch the toxins.
Does Toilet Paper Have Forever Chemicals?
Yep. Lots of toilet papers have PFAS. To make them softer, stronger, and less prone to tears, conventional toilet paper companies use chemical-heavy processes to get the job done. However, these introduce a ton of forever chemicals to our bodies and into the water system as we flush them down the drain. Luckily, there are alternatives!
How To Avoid Forever Chemicals In Toilet Paper
Avoid anything that says “ultra-soft” or “quilted.”
To make toilet paper soft and pillowy, toilet paper manufacturers will use toxic chemical treatments to give it that luxurious-feel. Instead, look for natural toilet paper options that are naturally strong and are embossed, not quilted.
Go for unbleached or processed chlorine-free.
Bleach is what gives conventional toilet paper its bright white appearance. However, chlorine-based bleaching processes are a major contributor to PFAS contamination. To avoid this, opt for toilet paper whitened with non-toxic alternatives, such as oxygen-based or elemental chlorine-free (ECF) processes. These alternatives achieve a similar look without introducing harmful chemicals.
Don’t be fooled by the “recycled” label.
When you see "recycled" on a toilet paper label, it might seem like a safer, more natural choice, right? Unfortunately, “recycled” doesn't always mean it's free of toxic forever chemicals. PFAS can be in the original paper products being recycled, like food wrappers or printed materials, and these chemicals don’t break down during the recycling process. So, even recycled toilet paper can still contain PFAS.
When in doubt, contact the company.
If you’re unsure if there are any potential forever chemicals in your favorite toilet paper, call the manufacturer and ask about the paper production process. When you start hearing about chemical-heavy treatments, you know it probably has PFAS.
Make the switch to bamboo toilet paper.
Looking for a non-toxic toilet paper that's sustainable, high-quality, and completely free of forever chemicals? Bamboo toilet paper is the BEST choice. Our TSC Toilet Paper is made using a chemical-free, eco-friendly process, giving you a luxuriously soft, exceptionally strong, and completely safe option you can feel good about using every day.
If you’re on the fence about trying it, here are all the reasons bamboo toilet paper is better.
Bamboo toilet paper is the best choice for luxurious, non-toxic TP!
Forever chemicals hide in plain sight. They can be everywhere, including in your toilet paper. But, with a few simple swaps, like choosing bamboo toilet paper, you can protect your health and make more eco-friendly choices. Every small step counts when it comes to your wellness.
If you’re ready to make the switch, subscribe and save on our Toilet Paper. You’ll get a fresh supply delivered to your door every month no stress, no hassle. You’ll not only love the way it works and feels, but you’ll also feel great knowing you’ve made a healthier, safer choice for you and your family.
