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Chemical Free Toilet Paper
BPA Free Toilet Paper
In recent years, the demand for healthier and more sustainable products has extended beyond the realms of food and personal care items to everyday household essentials. Toilet paper, a ubiquitous commodity in every household, has come under scrutiny for the presence of various chemicals, prompting a surge in the popularity of BPA-free, chemical-free, and PFAS-free options. We will explore why companies use these chemicals in toilet paper, the other chemicals commonly found in this essential product, and why consumers should care about making the switch to a safer alternative.
As you may be aware, BPA is recognized as an endocrine disruptor. Research involving animals has established connections between BPA and cancer, as well as premature puberty. Additionally, a particular epidemiological study has indicated that adults with elevated BPA levels in their urine exhibit higher incidences of various metabolic disorders, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. While the precise health consequences of coming into contact with toilet paper containing traces of BPA on sensitive areas remain uncertain, it appears prudent to minimize such exposure to the best extent possible. The other bad news is that by using this toilet paper we are flushing BPA, PFAS and other chemicals down the drain and into our water supply.
Understanding BPA, PFAS and other
chemicals in Toilet Paper
- BPA-Free Toilet Paper: BPA, or bisphenol A, is a synthetic compound often used in the production of plastics and resins. Its inclusion in toilet paper is typically linked to the paper-making process, where it may be found in recycled paper or in the ink used for printing. BPA has been associated with hormone disruption and potential adverse effects on human health, making the demand for BPA-free toilet paper a significant concern for consumers.
- Chemical-Free Toilet Paper: Chemical-free toilet paper refers to products that are free from various additives and synthetic chemicals used in the production process. Common chemicals found in traditional toilet paper include chlorine, fragrances, and dyes. Chlorine, used to bleach paper, can result in the formation of harmful byproducts such as dioxins, which have been linked to cancer and other health issues.
- PFAS-Free Toilet Paper: PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of human-made chemicals used for their water and grease-resistant properties. In toilet paper, PFAS may be present in the form of water-resistant coatings. These chemicals have been associated with a range of health issues, including developmental effects, liver damage, and an increased risk of certain cancers. The move toward PFAS-free toilet paper reflects growing concerns about the environmental and health impacts of these substances.
Chemicals Found in Toilet Paper and Potential Health Effects
- Chlorine: The use of chlorine in the bleaching process of toilet paper can result in the formation of dioxins, which have been linked to reproductive and developmental issues, as well as an increased risk of cancer.
- Undisclosed Fragrances and Dyes: Artificial fragrances and dyes may cause skin irritation and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitivities. As the specific components of fragrances remain undisclosed, it is impossible to determine whether the ingredients are harmful or have the potential to trigger allergic reactions. Synthetic musks and phthalates often lurk within undisclosed "fragrance," further complicating the assessment of potential risks. Choosing products free from these additives can reduce the risk of adverse skin reactions.
- BPA: BPA has been associated with hormone disruption, potentially impacting reproductive health and increasing the risk of certain cancers. Opting for BPA-free toilet paper can help mitigate these concerns.
- PFAS: Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of health issues, including developmental effects, immune system dysfunction, and an elevated risk of certain cancers. Choosing PFAS-free toilet paper is a crucial step in minimizing exposure to these harmful substances.
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PEGs: Flushable wipes posed an issue due to the presence of various PEG compounds. Ethoxylated ingredients, such as PEGs, are generally considered low in risk for humans. However, the ethoxylation process can leave behind minimal amounts of carcinogens, namely ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane.
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Paraffin wax: Derived from petroleum by-products, has the potential to be absorbed by the skin. Furthermore, there is a risk of contamination with carcinogens.
chemical free toilet paper brands
Per a report from Environmental Health News and Mamavation, a blog dedicated to environmental wellness. These organizations tested and reviewed the following toilet paper products.
- Aria Toilet Paper: Lacks recycled materials; processed with ECF or PCF, without additional specifications.
- Cashmere Envirocare Toilet Paper: Devoid of recycled components; treated with ECF or PCF, with no further details provided.
- Charmin Ultra Products: Conditioners undisclosed, processed with ECF; Charmin Ultra Gentle contains paraffin wax, a by-product of petroleum.
- Charmin Flushable Wipes: Contain PEG and an undisclosed fragrance.
- Cottonelle Flushable Wipes: Contain PEG and an undisclosed fragrance.
- Purek Envirocare Toilet Paper: Lacks recycled materials; processed with ECF or PCF, with no additional details.
- Scott Flushable Wipes: Contain PEG and an undisclosed fragrance.
- Wegman’s Toilet Paper: No recycled content; processed with ECF or PCF, with no further specifications.
- White Cloud Toilet Paper: Lacks recycled content; processed with ECF or PCF, without additional details.
- Charmin Ultra Soft Toilet Paper: 13 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluorine.
- Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Bath Tissue: 35 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluorine.
- Tushy Bamboo Toilet Paper: 10 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluorine.
- Who Gives a Crap Bamboo Toilet Paper: 11 parts per million (ppm) of organic fluorine.
- Best Value: Employs recycled paper but utilizes PCF. Brandless: Chooses hydrogen peroxide instead of chlorine for bleaching.
- Dream Bright 100% Bamboo Toilet Paper: Relies on 100% bamboo, probably bleached with ECF.
- Kirkland Signature (Costco Brand): Integrates PCF in recycling and ECF for pulp, likely involving chlorine dioxide. Contains 0 to 50% recycled material, depending on the purchase location.
- Marcal: Utilizes entirely recycled pulp; minimize contact with receipts whenever possible.
- Noo Trees 100% EcoLuxe Bamboo Toilet Paper: Leverages 100% bamboo, likely processed with ECF.
- Quilted Northern EcoComfort: Utilizes virgin pulp but commits to planting 3 trees for each one used. Bleaches using ECF.
- Silk & Soft No Trees Bamboo Toilet Paper: Bamboo toilet paper, likely bleached via ECF.
- White Cloud Green Earth Toilet Paper: Comprises 100% recycled content, potentially containing trace amounts of bisphenols like BPA/BPS.
- WholeRoll Organic Bamboo Toilet Paper: Utilizes 100% bamboo, likely bleached with ECF.
- 365 Everyday Value 100% Recycled Bath Tissue: Incorporates recycled paper, potentially with trace amounts of bisphenols like BPA or BPS.
- Bambootiful: 100% bamboo toilet paper likely using ECF bleaching process
- BimBamBoo Toilet Paper: 100% bamboo paper bleached using ECF.
- Angel Soft 230+ Sheets Double Roll Toilet Paper: (crafted with Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified fiber) – undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- Cottonelle Mega Ultra Comfort Care: Organic fluorine not detected. Scott 1000 Sheets Per Roll Toilet Paper (crafted with FSC Certified fiber) – non-detectable organic fluorine.
- Signature Select (Albertsons) Mega Ultra Premium Bath Tissue: Organic fluorine not detected.
- Quilted Northern Ultra Plush Soft & Strong Premium Comfort Toilet Paper (crafted with FSC-certified fiber) – undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- Value Corner (Safeway) Bathroom Tissue: Organic fluorine not detected.
- Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo Bath Tissue: Undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- ECOS Treeless Bamboo & Sugarcane Bathroom Tissue: Organic fluorine not detected.
- Nature Z Way Bamboo Bath Tissue: Undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- Open Nature 100% Recycled Paper Bathroom Tissue: Organic fluorine not detected.
- Public Goods Toilet Paper (Bamboo & Cane Sugar): Undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper: Undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
- Seedling by Grove Tree-Free Toilet Paper (crafted with FSC-certified bamboo) – undetectable levels of organic fluorine.
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Sprouts 100% Recycled Toilet Paper: Organic fluorine not detected.
In the quest for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, consumers are increasingly scrutinizing the products they bring into their homes, including seemingly mundane items like toilet paper. The shift towards BPA-free, PFAS-free, Chemical-free toilet paper options reflects a growing awareness of the potential health and environmental impacts associated with the chemicals commonly found in traditional toilet paper. By making informed choices and opting for safer alternatives, consumers can contribute to a safer and more sustainable future while prioritizing their health and well-being.
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