Is toilet paper toxic?
It’s so ubiquitous we don’t even question what it’s made of
When was the last time you read the list of ingredients on your toilet paper?
Legions of consumers read the list of ingredients on food products and everyday household items like shampoos and soaps and window cleaner — but toilet paper? Things like that are generally immune to the same level of scrutiny because we assume that they are simple enough not to warrant much thought.
I mean, that’s what I always assumed.
What could toilet paper really be made of? Isn’t it just recycled paper mulch in some form or another?
I read the labels on nearly every product that enters my home. I’ve downloaded scanning apps like Yuka and Think Dirty to make sure I’m not buying things that are inadvertently poisoning my kids. I’m deeply concerned about the ingredients that big companies put in everyday consumer goods and the lack of government oversight to protect consumers from planet and people destroying profit mongering. But I have my blind spots, and toilet paper was one of them, so I did some digging.
What you may not know about your toilet paper
What it is made of? Where does it come from? Is there any reason to be concerned? These were the questions circling through my head when I began my search, and what I found, was eye-opening.
What’s it made of?
Toilet paper is made from a combination of paper pulps, from either recycled or virgin materials depending on which type of toilet paper you buy, along with water and a handful of key chemicals to treat the pulp and provide the finished product with it’s characteristic colour and strength.
Some of the most common chemicals used in the process include:
Bleach — to turn the grey paper pulp white.
Glue — to form the inner cardboard roll and seal the outside of the toilet paper roll to prevent it from unravelling.
Formaldehyde — to improve the strength of the paper while wet.
Mineral oil — added to toilet papers that claim to “nourish” skin by providing extra softness.
BPA — this toxic endocrine disrupter is found in small amounts in toilet paper made from recycled paper.
Each of these chemicals poses a varying degree of risk, with some being minor irritants and others known carcinogens. The bottom line is that while recycled toilet paper is a better option since it’s putting existing paper waste to good use, its still leaves you exposed to chemicals that are harmful to both you and the environment.
So, what’s the alternative?
If, like me, you’re feeling a bit horrified to learn that your options are basically: a) toxic toilet paper made with virgin paper or b) slightly less toxic toilet paper made with recycled paper that’s still contaminated with dangerous chemicals… don’t despair. There are a few other options.
Choose bamboo — 100% biodegradable, sustainable, eco-friendly, super soft and durable…bamboo toilet paper is a great option. It’s also the easiest to adopt since the experience is just like what you’ve come to expect with the more traditional paper pulp toilet papers.
Go reusable — this option isn’t for everyone, but a lot of people are embracing reusable toilet papers made from scraps of cloth like flannel. Do some research if you want to go this route as you’ll have to ensure proper cleaning to avoid spreading e.Coli bacteria and other germs.
Install a bidet — another great option that’s much easier than you think. Bidets no longer require a plumber to install, in many cases it is an easy DIY project that just involves swapping out your toilet seat for one that’s fitted with a water hose that connects to your toilet’s clean water supply.
I’m sure there are other options out there, do some exploring and go with whatever works best for you and your family. The important thing to remember is that you don’t have to use toxic products when other options exist.