The Hidden Danger: PFAS Contamination in Toilet Paper

The Hidden Danger: PFAS Contamination in Toilet Paper

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of approximately 14,000 chemicals known for their resistance to water, stains, and heat. Dubbed "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are linked to severe health issues including cancer, liver disease, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders. Despite their widespread use in various consumer products, PFAS in everyday items like toilet paper is alarming.

Toilet Paper: A Significant Source of PFAS Pollution

Recent research has revealed that toilet paper from around the globe contains PFAS, making it a significant source of these toxic chemicals entering wastewater treatment systems. The study, conducted by the University of Florida, tested 21 major toilet paper brands across North America, Western Europe, Africa, Central America, and South America. Shockingly, all tested brands contain PFAS compounds.

How PFAS Contaminate Our Environment
How PFAS Contaminate Our Environment

When toilet paper is flushed, PFAS it contains travels to wastewater treatment plants. Here, the chemicals can be found in sewage sludge, which is often spread on croplands as fertilizer or released into waterways. This process perpetuates the cycle of contamination, affecting both the environment and potentially human health.

Health Implications of PFAS in Toilet Paper

Although the study did not specifically address the health risks associated with dermal absorption of PFAS from toilet paper, it is a valid concern. PFAS exposure is linked to various health issues, and the potential for absorption through skin contact during wiping warrants further investigation. As these chemicals do not break down naturally, their accumulation in the body over time could pose significant health risks.
The Global Scale of the Problem
The Global Scale of the Problem

The average American uses 57 pounds of toilet paper annually, contributing to over 19 billion pounds of toilet paper waste each year in the US alone. The widespread use of PFAS in toilet paper underscores the global scale of the problem.

Researchers collected toilet paper rolls sold in North, South, and Central America, Africa, and Western Europe as well as sewage sludge samples from U.S. wastewater treatment plants. After that, they extracted 34 PFAS compounds from the paper and sludge solids and analyzed them. In the study, disubstituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (diPAPs) were mainly detected. These compounds can transform into more stable PFAS, such as perfluorooctanoic acid, known to cause cancer.

Researchers detected six different PFAS compounds in the tested toilet paper, with 6:2 diPAP being the most prevalent. This compound, along with others like PFOA, can transform into more toxic forms once in the environment.

The Manufacturing Link:

PFAS are often used as lubricants in manufacturing to prevent paper pulp from sticking to machinery. This unintentional introduction of PFAS into toilet paper highlights the pervasive nature of these chemicals in industrial processes.
PFAS in Seventh Generation Toilet Paper
PFAS in Seventh Generation Toilet Paper

Recent investigations have uncovered PFAS in Seventh Generation toilet paper, raising significant health and environmental concerns. Seventh Generation, known for its eco-friendly and sustainable products, unfortunately, contains these harmful chemicals, which are pervasive in consumer goods due to their resistance to water, stains, and heat. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are linked to severe health issues, including cancer, liver disease, and autoimmune disorders. The study highlighted that even recycled toilet paper, like Seventh Generation, is not immune to PFAS contamination. This makes it a substantial source of these "forever chemicals" in wastewater systems.

The presence of PFAS in toilet paper underscores safer alternatives. One such solution is HOCl, the primary active ingredient in SolutionsHOCl® Toilet Bomb Cleaners. Derived from NaDCC, a stable and safer compound, HOCl effectively cleans and disinfects without harsh chemicals.
How SolutionsHOCl® Prevents PFAS Contamination
How SolutionsHOCl® Prevents PFAS Contamination

One of the standout features of SolutionsHOCl® Toilet Bomb Cleaners is their ability to prevent PFAS contamination. Unlike conventional cleaning products that contribute to PFAS pollution, SolutionsHOCl® products are free from these harmful chemicals. The use of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and natural ingredients ensures that no PFAS are introduced into the cleaning process. Additionally, the eco-friendly formulation of SolutionsHOCl® products prevents PFAS from entering the wastewater system, thereby reducing the overall environmental burden of these "forever chemicals."

By choosing SolutionsHOCl®, you choose a cleaning solution that effectively cleans your toilet. SolutionsHOCl® products are environmentally friendly, backed by over 50 scientific studies, and proudly made in the USA. They offer a safe, effective, and sustainable toilet cleaning solution, free from PFAS.

Conclusion

The discovery of PFAS in toilet paper is a stark reminder of the widespread presence of these hazardous chemicals in our daily lives. It highlights the urgent need for action to mitigate their environmental and health impacts. By raising awareness and advocating for change, we can work towards a future where our everyday products are free from harmful contaminants.
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