A study conducted in 2023 by the University of Florida analyzed rolls from North America, Europe, and Africa. The researchers detected measurable levels of fluorinated compounds in the rolls. The concern, however, was not the presence of these chemicals but the method by which they were being “disposed of.”
While a jacket or a pan might be used and then stored, toilet paper is used and then immediately disposed of. It goes right into the water system, which was not designed to filter out these kinds of molecules. Eventually, millions of households’ worth of toilet paper can make up a large portion of the PFAS in the sewage sludge.
The interesting thing is, these chemicals are not always intentionally added. Sometimes, they are inadvertently added during the manufacturing process, recycled paper pulp, or even machine lubricants in the factory.
Now, let’s get a little more specific. PFAS is a huge category of chemicals, with thousands of different varieties. While some, like PFOA, are associated with serious health problems, such as increased risk of cancer or suppressed immune systems, this risk level is completely dependent on how you are exposed.