The Hidden Toxins in Your Bathroom: What You Need to Know About Toilet Paper and PFAS
When we talk about reducing toxic load, we often focus on food, skincare, or cleaning products—but one everyday item is quietly contributing to our chemical exposure: toilet paper.
Yes, that soft, white roll sitting in your bathroom might seem harmless. But recent studies show that many conventional toilet papers are contaminated with PFAS, a class of harmful chemicals that can disrupt your health in serious ways.
Let’s break down what PFAS are, why they’re a concern in toilet paper, and how you can make simple, healthy swaps to protect yourself and your family.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment or the human body. Once inside us, they accumulate over time—especially in tissues like the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs.
They’re used in hundreds of consumer products, including:
Non-stick cookware
Water-resistant fabrics
Food packaging
Firefighting foam
And now, as we’re learning—toilet paper
Why Are PFAS in Toilet Paper?
PFAS aren’t intentionally added to most toilet paper. Instead, they’re likely introduced during manufacturing:
From recycled paper contaminated with PFAS-laced packaging
Through bleaching and chemical processing
Via coatings or strengtheners applied during production
In 2023, a peer-reviewed study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters detected measurable levels of PFAS in major global toilet paper brands—including those labeled as “eco-friendly.”
Why PFAS Are Bad for Your Health
Even in small amounts, PFAS have been linked to serious health risks:
Endocrine Disruption
PFAS interfere with hormones, particularly thyroid and sex hormones, which can affect metabolism, fertility, and energy.
Cardiovascular Impact
Studies show associations between PFAS exposure and high blood pressure, arterial stiffness, and increased risk of heart disease.
Immune Suppression
PFAS reduce immune response, making vaccines less effective and increasing vulnerability to illness.
Cancer Risk
Long-term exposure has been linked to kidney, liver, and testicular cancer, according to data from the CDC and National Cancer Institute.
Reproductive & Developmental Harm
PFAS are known to cross the placenta and have been associated with low birth weight, developmental delays, and hormonal disruption in children.
Why Toilet Paper Exposure Matters
The skin around your genitals is thin and highly absorbent—meaning chemicals in toilet paper can enter the bloodstream faster than from other areas of the body.
And since most people use toilet paper multiple times a day, this repeated contact adds up, especially over months and years.
How to Choose Low-Toxin Toilet Paper
When shopping for a safer, low-toxic option, here’s what to look for:
1. Look for "PFAS-Free" or "No Added PFAS" on Labels
Brands are starting to test and disclose this voluntarily. If it’s not listed, reach out to the company or look for third-party testing.
2. Avoid Bleached/Chlorine-Processed Paper
Look for:
“Processed Chlorine Free (PCF)”
Unbleached or Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) paper
These reduce dioxins and other toxic byproducts common in bleaching.
3. Ditch Fragrance and Lotions
Added fragrances = added chemicals (often phthalates). Keep it simple.
Look for labels that say:
Fragrance-free
No dyes or additives
Hypoallergenic
4. Avoid Recycled Toilet Paper (Surprisingly!)
Recycled paper may contain PFAS from contaminated food packaging and receipts.
It sounds eco-friendly—but unless it’s third-party tested for PFAS, virgin bamboo or wood pulp may actually be safer.
Healthier Toilet Paper Brands to Try
While brand formulations change, here are some low-toxin, PFAS-conscious toilet paper options as of 2025:
Who Gives A Crap (Bamboo version) – Unbleached, no inks, no dyes
Reel Bamboo Toilet Paper – Bamboo-based, biodegradable, no added PFAS
Cloud Paper – Bamboo, chlorine-free, plastic-free packaging
Bim Bam Boo – Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, dermatologist-tested
Nurture – Tree-free, non-toxic, made from sugarcane and bamboo
Note: Always check the brand’s most recent testing or FAQ to confirm PFAS-free status.
Other Low-Tox Bathroom Swaps
Switch to cloth wipes or bidets for even lower waste and chemical exposure
Use non-toxic feminine hygiene products (100% organic cotton, no fragrance)
Choose clean, unscented soaps and hand towels
Filter your shower water to reduce chemical skin exposure
Final Thoughts
Toilet paper might not be the first thing you think of when detoxing your home—but it’s one of the most intimate, frequent points of chemical contact. Making a safer choice here is a powerful, simple step toward reducing your toxic load.
Remember: you don’t need to be perfect—you just need to be intentional. Every swap you make is a vote for your long-term health.
At B.Well, I believe that wellness is built in the small, daily decisions. We’re here to help you make those choices confidently—with science-backed guidance and real-world solutions.
Explore more clean living tips, wellness coaching, and product picks @beringwellness.