Toilet paper is one of those items that we all have in our home and that goes unnoticed until the moment we need it. In this sense, the Covid-19 pandemic made us aware of the dependence we have on this product. However, new research, conducted by the University of Florida, has revealed that its use could be harmful to our health.
For the study, the researchers tested various brands of toilet paper around the world and found that the toilet paper could be considered a major source of PFAS in wastewater treatment systems, a substance that has come under scrutiny from scientists and environmentalists due to its links to cancer and, more recently, to hormonal disruption in children.
Chemicals that last ‘forever’
According to the researchers, PFAS can exist in the environment for a long time, and even low levels of these chemicals are associated with health risks. Reason why government agencies are pushing for them to be established stricter restrictions on the use of ‘forever chemicals’ in the manufacturing processes of these products.
To test for PFAS in toilet paper, the team collected samples from products sold in Africa, America and Europe and also analyzed wastewater samples from eight treatment plants in Florida. Discovering that non-organic toilet paper and products made from recycled fibers were significant sources of ‘forever chemicals’.
Specifically, they found that the fluorotelomer phosphate diester, was the most predominant PFAS. An element that is associated with poor testicular function in men. Furthermore, scientists estimate that general toilet paper use contributes 6.4 to 80 parts per billion per year to wastewater.
In a press release, Tasha Stoiber, a researcher at the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG), revealed: “Given the known health risks associated with PFAS exposure, it is concerning that these chemicals are present in a household item as common as toilet paper. “This study further demonstrates the ubiquity of these toxic chemicals in our daily lives. We need to reduce PFAS contamination, eliminate non-essential uses and protect public health,” she added.
Finally, the investigation revealed several alternatives to toilet paperamong which were included some products such as the traditional bidet or reusable toilet paperwhich is usually made of cotton and can be washed and reused.