The Hidden Chemicals in Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes And Our Solution

November 13, 2024

Toilet paper and/or wet wipes are generally seen as essential items in the household and in the outdoors. As a result, we don’t spend much time thinking about what might go into these seemingly benign products. However, last year, a study published in Environmental Science and Technology by researchers at the University of Florida revealed that virtually all of the major toilet paper sold globally contains PFAS or “forever chemicals”, that are flushed directly into our water streams to the tune of about 19 billion pounds per year.

This study got the ball rolling on PFAS in toilet tissue as it was picked up by TIME Magazine, Fast Company and others.

Forever chemicals get their name from the fact that they don’t break down even through conventional water treatment processes. They have been linked to pregnancy complications, elevated cancer risk, hormonal imbalances and more.

But, it’s not just PFAS. Studies have shown that common brands of toilet paper and wet wipes contain a variety of chemicals—some of which may have significant health and environmental consequences. What’s crazy is that these chemicals are often the byproduct of convenience rather than necessity in the manufacturing process.

The more we learned about all of this, the more we wanted to make something better for people venturing into the outdoors or backcountry.

1. What Chemicals Are Found in Toilet Paper and Wet Wipes?

Toilet paper and wet wipes undergo extensive manufacturing processes, often involving chemicals for whitening, softening, and durability. Here are some of the most commonly used substances:

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances): PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used to make materials more resistant to water, oil, and stains. These chemicals have been detected in various paper products, including some toilet paper brands.

Formaldehyde: Sometimes used to enhance durability, formaldehyde has been found in certain wet wipes. The compound can irritate skin and has been classified as a carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).

Chlorine and Chlorine Derivatives: Many toilet paper brands are bleached with chlorine to achieve a bright white appearance. This process can create dioxins, which are highly toxic and linked to reproductive and immune system issues.

Fragrances and Preservatives: Some wet wipes contain fragrances, parabens, and other preservatives to extend shelf life and add scent. These ingredients can cause allergic reactions and skin sensitivities, especially in people with sensitive skin.

Plastic Fibers in Wet Wipes: Many wet wipes contain synthetic fibers (like polyester) that are not biodegradable, meaning they don’t break down in nature and further contribute to microplastic pollution.

2. The Health Risks of PFAS and Other Chemicals

PFAS Health Risks

PFAS are notorious for their persistence in the environment and have been linked to serious health issues. According to a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives, long-term exposure to certain PFAS compounds is associated with:

Increased cancer risk: Studies have shown a link between PFAS and types of cancer, including kidney and testicular cancer.

Hormonal Disruption: PFAS chemicals can interfere with hormone systems, particularly those regulating thyroid function.

Immune System Suppression: Research indicates that PFAS exposure can reduce immune responses, making people more susceptible to infections and potentially impacting vaccine efficacy.

The potential for PFAS to absorb through skin has led to increased scrutiny of their presence in products that come into close contact with the body, such as toilet paper and wipes.

But, it’s also been a major topic in the outdoor industry where it’s used as a waterproof coating in technical gear like jackets and footwear. Soft goods brands and retailers like REI have been working hard to ban these chemicals in all products.

3. Environmental Impacts: How Do These Chemicals Affect Waterways?

Chemicals in toilet paper and wet wipes don’t just affect the people who use them—they also enter our ecosystems, especially through waterways. This happens when we flush them down our toilets but also when we bury them after ‘going’ outdoors or in the backcountry.

PFAS Contamination in Water

When products containing PFAS, such as certain toilet paper brands, are flushed or disposed of in landfills, these chemicals can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater. According to research from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS can enter rivers, lakes, and even drinking water supplies, impacting both wildlife and humans.

After testing one fifth (20%) of water treatment facilities in the U.S., the EPA found PFAS in the treated drinking water of 26 million consumers (8% of residents). That could extrapolate to 40% of residents in the U.S.

Microplastics from Wet Wipes

Many wet wipes contain synthetic materials that break down into microplastics. When flushed or disposed of improperly, these wipes end up in the ocean or other waterways, where they can be ingested by fish and other marine life. Microplastics are also known to absorb toxic chemicals, making them even more hazardous to the animals that consume them. When wet wipe packaging says, “made with plant fibers” versus “plastic free” or “100% plant-based” there’s a good chance it’s not just plants in the material.

Effects on Aquatic Life

Chemicals in these products, particularly PFAS and microplastics, pose substantial risks to aquatic ecosystems. Studies published in Marine Pollution Bulletin indicate that PFAS exposure in fish leads to reproductive problems, altered development, and hormone disruption. Microplastics can cause physical harm to marine animals and introduce toxins into the food web.

4. Introducing PACT Bathroom Wipes

When people are camping, backpacking, or spending extended periods of time without access to bathroom or shower facilities, we’ve found that their desire to use conventional wet wipes increases. It makes sense, people want to feel clean.

Unfortunately, studies show that wet wipes can take years to break down even when properly buried. So, we wanted to create a toilet tissue that leaves users feeling clean (like a wet wipe) but that decomposes much more rapidly.

Que the dehydrated and compressed PACT Bathroom Wipe. You add a small squirt of water and it unfolds into a thick, wet 9” towel. It gets you clean like a wet wipe, but because you don’t have to keep it from molding in the packaging, which necessitates anti-bacterial and anti-fungal additives which inhibit decomposition, we can make it with far fewer chemicals than conventional wet wipes.

Here’s the high points of our PACT Bathroom Wipes:

Plastic-Free: PACT Wipes are made entirely from plant material, no plastics like polyester. Our paper is sourced from responsibly managed forests, so it has an FSC-certification from the Forest Stewardship Council.

Free of 1,000 Common Chemicals: the material in our wipes is OEKO-TEX 100 Standard certified which means that the material is free of over 1,000 chemicals commonly found in textiles including PFAS. Here’s the complete list of chemicals that are not present in our products.

Fragrance-Free: No fragrances in these wipes. Fragrances often contain things called parabens or phthalates that can disrupt hormones and the endocrine system.

Decomposes in 95 days: PACT Wipes were third party tested to decompose completely in 95 days, much faster than toilet paper and wet wipes. Reminder: it is still critical to follow Leave No Trace and pack out or bury these Wipes thoroughly in the backcountry. When not in the backcountry, they must make their way into the trash.

Use Less Paper: if you fold the PACT Bathroom Wipe after each wipe, you can get three wipes out of each towel. The result is using less paper. Win.

Save Space: PACT Wipes are ultra compact and weigh almost nothing. They allow you to ditch the heavy pack of wet wipes and the bulk of traditional rolls of toilet paper.

5. Other Alternatives For Your Home & Outdoors

As awareness of the health and environmental risks of chemicals in toilet paper and wet wipes grows, consumers are seeking safer alternatives, and there are a growing number of options:

Unbleached, Chemical-Free Toilet Paper: Look for brands that use alternative, environmentally friendly bleaching methods (like oxygen-based bleaching) or no bleaching at all. Bamboo-based and 100% recycled toilet paper are also available options. An example is Plant Paper.

Biodegradable, Chemical-Free Wet Wipes: Many companies now offer wet wipes made from natural materials without synthetic fragrances, preservatives, or plastic fibers. An example is ECOriginals.

Bidets and Reusable Cloths: Bidets offer a water-based solution that eliminates the need for both toilet paper and wet wipes. Reusable cloths like Kula Cloths are also a sustainable option when properly cleaned and sanitized.

6. Conclusion

From PFAS and dioxins to microplastics and preservatives, the chemicals found in toilet paper and wet wipes can have serious implications for both human health and the environment.

However, as we’re proving, better solutions are possible. Brands and manufacturers just have to give a sh!t. The best things shoppers and outdoor enthusiasts can do is to (ahem) support companies that are working on alternatives that are better for people as well as the environment.