There are elements so integrated into people’s lives that we don’t even stop to think about living without them. Drinking water, electricity, internet access… are just some of the things that someone could not live without today.
There are also other much less grandiose products whose disappearance would mean a backwardness or discomfort in society, such as, for example, the toilet paper. This product has been used for so many years that its use has practically never been questioned, until now. Proof of dependence on this item was its excessive purchase during the coronavirus pandemic.
A recent study from the University of Florida has revealed that toilet paper could contain materials that are harmful to health. This is because it contains a significant source of PFAS, a substance linked to cancer and with hormonal alteration in children.
And not only is it a threat to our health, but it alsoOr is it also for the environment?. The same investigation has determined that the components of toilet paper would contain ‘eternal chemicals’, since PFAS can exist in the environment for a long time. Additionally, scientists estimate that general toilet paper use contributes 6.4 to 80 parts per billion per year to wastewater.
The most feasible alternatives to toilet paper
Due to the data exposed above, experts have begun to spread the idea that it should begin to reduce the use of toilet paper and even completely end its presence in our bathrooms. Although it is an element that we consider essential for our hygiene, it is really not that effective, and as we explained, it could put our health at risk.
For this reason, the alternatives to toilet paper to which society can aspire. It is known that, for example, in Japan, the use of toilet bowls with a water dispenser incorporated to clean the affected area. This practice would be one of the best alternatives currently.
Although perhaps in our culture it is not so easy to imagine that each person replaces their toilet with one like those of the Japanese country, it could be considered wash with soap and water after going to the toilet. In fact, the bidetthat element that has been removed from many bathrooms in Spain, could be a great option as an alternative to toilet paper.
Another alternative, although not as hygienic as soap and water, is to use a reusable toilet paperwhich is usually made from cotton and can be washed for reuse.