We all use it, but how much do we really know about toilet paper? Beyond softness and ply count, a recent discovery raises questions about what chemicals might be lurking in our bathroom staples.
You've certainly heard from healthcare professionals the importance of thorough drying after using the toilet. This is because a warm, moist environment can encourage fungal growth in the genital area.
Experts warn that toilet paper is a primary source of toxic chemicals that expose individuals to risks of infertility and cancer. It has been identified that toxic chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have harmful effects on human health.
What harmful chemicals exist in toilet paper?
Did you know that there are over 100,000 hazardous chemicals in commercial paper products?
One of the most harmful chemicals found in these products is chlorine. Chlorine is present in many daily use items such as wet wipes, paper towels, and milk cartons. These harmful substances can enter the body through the skin and reach the bloodstream. Unfortunately, most toilet papers are processed with chlorine bleach, which produces toxic pollutants like dioxins and furans. These toxins accumulate in the body and pose serious health risks to humans.
Toilet paper has become a part of our daily lives, and we use it on a daily basis. Inside it, there are perfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) or forever chemicals, which means they persist in nature for hundreds of years, let alone inside our bodies! These chemicals have direct links to cancer, asthma, and infertility.
A study in the American Chemical Society’s journal of Environmental Science and Technology reports that the toilet paper that is used by millions of people is full of toxins known as forever chemicals. The term refers to chemicals that do not decompose. They contaminate sources of drinking water and do not break down in our bodies or the bodies of other animals on the planet.
According to a journal article published on IntechOpen, “Dioxins and furans have very harmful effects on the human health causing cancer, diabetes, neurotoxicity, immunotoxicity and chloracne.”
Formaldehyde is a chemical that might seem as useful at first glance, but it becomes more alarming upon investigation. Used to make toilet paper stronger, it does not break down when it becomes wet.
Misconceptions About Toilet Paper Usage
1- Some people believe that the whiter and softer toilet papers are, the higher their quality and the less harmful they are to health. However, in reality, these toilet papers are often bleached using more chemicals, such as chlorine, which can produce toxic residues that accumulate in the body.
2- If you thought a toilet seat was the most bacteria-laden place in a public restroom, think again.
According to new research conducted by microbiologist Charles Gerba, of the University of Arizona, the average toilet paper dispenser has more than 150 times the number of bacteria than the average toilet seat. The picture isn't much improved when it comes to paper towel dispensers. These were found to have over 50 times more bacteria on average than a typical public restroom toilet seat.
Adverse Effects of Using Toilet Paper
- Due to the presence of chemicals in toilet paper, frequent use can lead to certain problems for women. Unfortunately, some toilet papers available in the market are of very poor quality and certainly have more harmful effects on the body.
- Unfortunately, many women have developed a compulsive habit of excessively drying their genital area after using the toilet, which can result in various dermatological issues in this sensitive region. The primary concern lies in the allergenic materials and compounds found in toilet papers. This sensitivity is further aggravated by the inclusion of various perfumes in toilet papers. Individuals with skin allergies who use toilet paper for drying may experience exacerbated symptoms and worsening skin conditions in the genital area.
In fact, these individuals suffer from allergic contact dermatitis due to contact with toilet paper and sensitivity to its contents. During certain periods, these women complain to their doctors about burning, itching, redness, dryness, and inflammation in the genital area due to exacerbation of their allergies. They may not realize that their condition can be easily treated by eliminating the allergen, which in this case is often the toilet paper itself. - Using toilet paper for vaginal drying in women and girls can lead to the accumulation of paper fibers on the inner and outer walls. Over time, this can contribute to the collection of infections, lower abdominal pain, and even conditions like uterine polyps and fibroids in the long term. Early diagnosis and treatment solutions for vaginal issues are challenging. It is recommended to use appropriate methods for drying moisture in this area instead of using toilet paper.
- This type of toilet paper directly affects the female reproductive system, and its use increases the risk of cervical cancer. Small particles from the toilet paper can enter the uterus and vagina over time, potentially leading to cervical cancer.
- Colored and scented paper towels have been used in sanitary facilities for some time now. In addition to chlorine, they contain coloring and scented substances that can be harmful to the body. Scented paper towels, alongside chlorine, contain alcohol and various types of peroxides. Regular use of paper towels, especially scented and colored ones, may lead to inflammation, itching, and burning sensation around the anus.
- The President of the Association of Residents Doctors in University of Uyo Teaching Hospital Branch, has warned women, especially young girls, against the use of pieces of clothing and tissue paper during menstrual periods. According to her, using such items during menstrual flow can result in infections and infertility in the long run.
- According to Healthline, Researchers are reporting toilet paper may be releasing potentially harmful substances known as PFAS into wastewater systems. PFAS are found in paper products as well as cosmetics and cleansers. They say the chemicals are suspected of contributing to an array of health issues from cancer to infertility to liver disease.
- According to Miki Agrawal, the Canadian founder of Thinx period underwear and the bidet company Tushy, people should really be cutting down on their toilet paper use altogether.
Using toilet paper can potentially harm one's health and lead to bacterial buildup, irritation, hemorrhoids, and infections such as urinary tract infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Drying children's genital area with toilet paper
Drying the genital area of children, both girls and boys, with toilet paper is not recommended due to their sensitive skin. Girls do not have vaginal discharge, so using toilet paper to dry them is not advisable. For better hygiene of children's genital areas, it's recommended to change their underwear nightly and dress them in cotton and white underwear.
Ther use of sanitary pads and toilet paper by women
Some women may experience itching and external skin inflammation in the genital area due to the use of sanitary pads. Our recommendation to this group of women is to use unscented cotton pads and to switch brands if they experience sensitivity. If for any reason someone needs to use toilet paper under specific circumstances to dry themselves, it should only be used to dry the external genital area and the sides of their legs after standing up. Any type of paper should be placed and removed gently from these sensitive areas to avoid irritation and sensitivity.
Using toilet paper by men
Your toilet paper might give you cancer, according to scientists. Experts from the University of Florida warn that your toilet paper could contain toxic “forever chemicals,” also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs), which have previously been linked to certain cancers and even low sperm count.
Alternatives to toilet paper for drying the genital area
1. Use of white cotton towels at home. You can dry yourself at home with these towels and wash them nightly for the next day's use.
2. Using disposable towels, wipes, or sterile gauze pads packaged in large quantities. You can divide them into small pieces and place them in a nylon bag. These items are made of non-allergenic materials. Then you can use them for drying purposes at home or even outside. This way, you can reduce the risk of contracting papillomatosis or contact dermatitis in your genital area.
3. Switching to absorbent cotton underwear. Some women are forced to use paper towels to dry themselves due to wearing plastic or inappropriate mesh undergarments. In such cases, switching to absorbent cotton underwear that dries quickly can eliminate the need for paper towels. By using cotton undergarments instead, you can reduce the use of paper towels and change your underwear daily or as needed.
4. Dry external area. After washing, only dry the external genital area and the sides of your legs.
5. Avoid pulling. Gently place and remove any type of tissue or towel to prevent irritation and sensitivity.
Final Note
In summary, toilet paper contains thousands of toxic chemicals that many people are unaware of but should be informed about. Chemical toxins do not care about your level of general knowledge; they can harm you. Toilet paper is never a luxury item! Exercise caution and balance when using it.
External Sources
- A move to discontinue the use of PFAS
- Did You Know That Toilet Paper Can Be Dangerous to Your Health?
- Is Your Toilet Paper Toxic?
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