Worldwide Toilet Paper Supply has Toxic PFAS Forever Chemicals, Study Says

According to new research, the toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" were present in the toilet paper supply tested around the world, and the waste that is flushed down the toilet and sent to sewage treatment facilities likely contributes significantly to water pollution.

Chemicals can either spill into waterways after entering the wastewater treatment facility or are contained in sewage sludge that is later applied to cropland as fertilizer.

Worldwide Toilet Paper Supply with Forever Chemicals

The study found that toilet paper could be a significant source of PFAS that continuously enters wastewater treatment systems daily.

A group of approximately 14,000 chemicals known as PFAS is frequently used to make a large percentage of consumer products resistant to heat, water, and stains.

PFAS are commonly known as "forever chemicals" because these chemicals do not naturally decompose.

They have been linked to serious health problems, such as cancer, liver disease, fetal complications, kidney disease, autoimmune disorders, and others.

The study examined 21 popular toilet paper brands from North America, Western Europe, Central America, South America, and Africa, however, the brands were not identified.

The consequences for the health of using contaminated toilet paper were not taken into account in the report.

There is no research on how PFAS might enter the body when using toilet paper, even though it can be dermally absorbed.

David Andrews, an Environmental Working Group senior scientist, says that exposure is unquestionably worth looking into.

The EWG is a non-profit organization that keeps an eye on PFAS pollution.

According to Jake Thompson, the study's lead author and a graduate student at the University of Florida, brands that used recycled paper contained the same amount of PFAS as those that did not, suggesting that it may not be possible to completely avoid PFAS in toilet paper.

Another Source of PFAS

The lead author is not proposing a change in toilet paper, however, he points out that the problem is there is yet another source of PFAS, which emphasizes how pervasive the chemicals are.

According to Thompson, the PFAS levels found are low enough to imply that the chemicals are utilized in the production process to stop paper pulp from adhering to machinery.

Some of the chemicals in PFAS are frequently left on or in consumer goods and are frequently used as lubricants in manufacturing.

However, a trade association for the toilet paper sector claimed that no PFAS is in their toilet paper.

Thompson stated that although it may be true that PFAS are not added on purpose, the proof from the study seems to suggest otherwise.

He continued by saying that because it might originate from the manufacturer of the equipment used by Companies, they might not be aware that it is used.

Highest Levels of PFAS

Six PFAS compounds were found by the researchers, with 6:2 diPAP having the highest concentration.

The substance has not undergone thorough investigation, but according to a 2022 study published in Ecotoxicology and Public Health, it is associated with testicular dysfunction.

Thompson's study also revealed that 6:2 diPAP can convert to PFOA, which is a highly toxic compound when released into the environment.

However, Thompson noted that because PFAS are so prevalent, it is challenging to pinpoint their precise source, which speaks to the bigger problem surrounding the chemicals' widespread use, which is acting as a society to address this issue, The Guardian reported.

The study by Thompson and several colleagues was published recently in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters.