Is Toilet Paper Bad For You? Here’s What Experts Say

Toilet paper has become a hot topic online. You don’t have to look hard to find videos of health-conscious influencers warning about supposedly harmful ingredients in toilet paper. But how concerned should you be?Not very, most experts agree. But some also say that TP is worth examining more closely.Concerning chemicalsStudies have found some concerning chemicals in toilet paper. A 2023 study looking for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in toilet paper found them in 21 brands from around the world. Also known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS exposure has been linked to reproductive issues in women, developmental delays in kids, an increased risk of some cancers, and more. A 2019 study in Ghana found “elevated levels” of phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors that may cause developmental and reproductive harm, in toilet paper. That research also found polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are associated with cancer, and semi-volatile chlorinated organic compounds, which have also been connected to cancer and reproductive harm, in toilet paper.Some research cautions against toilet paper made from recycled paper because it could be made with discarded newspapers or ...