Toilet Paper Contains “Eternal Pollutants”: Study
A recent study published in the Environmental Science and Technology Letters journal shows that toilet paper contains “eternal pollutants” known as PFAS. These chemicals can seep into wastewater and the environment, and are often found in many everyday objects such as cosmetics, non-stick pans, food packaging, and now, toilet paper.
The reason for the presence of these pollutants in toilet paper is attributed to the addition of chemicals during the transformation of wood into paper pulp. These pollutants have a very long life cycle, and are linked to several types of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, fertility problems, and developmental disorders in children.
While the European Chemicals Agency proposed banning these pollutants a year ago, it may take member states until 2025 to ratify the proposal. In the meantime, it is important for consumers to be mindful of the products they use and their impact on the environment.
