Our Guide to Unbleached, Chemical-Free Toilet Paper Brands

Did you know that the average person uses about 100 rolls of toilet paper each year? That’s a lot of paper going down the drain! But here’s the kicker: most of that TP is filled with nasty chemicals and harmful substances that are bad for both our bodies and the environment.

Granted, when you think about living sustainably, toilet paper might not be the first thing that comes to mind. It’s just paper, right? Wrong! Choosing truly chemical-free toilet paper is more important than you might think.

Not only does it help protect your health by avoiding skin irritants and potential toxins, but it also plays a crucial role in reducing deforestation, pollution, and overall environmental impact.

Before we jump into the chemical-free toilet paper brands, let’s first have a look at the harmful chemicals that are hiding in our regular shmegular rolls.

The Problem With Conventional Toilet Paper

Bleach and Its By-Products

Let’s kick things off with bleach. Yep, the same stuff you use to clean your bathroom is also used to make your toilet paper sparkling white. Bleach is used in the paper-making process to whiten and soften the paper.

When bleach breaks down, it produces by-products like dioxins. Dioxins are some seriously nasty chemicals linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions, immune system damage, and even cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified dioxins as highly toxic, and exposure can cause reproductive and developmental problems. Studies have found that even low levels of dioxin exposure can lead to severe health consequences over time.

The production of bleached paper releases dioxins into the environment, contaminating water sources and harming wildlife. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), dioxins are known to accumulate in the food chain, mainly in the fatty tissue of animals. This means that the toxic effects of dioxins can persist and magnify as they move up the food chain, ultimately affecting human health as well.

PFAS – aka The Forever Chemicals

Next up, we’ve got PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in the environment. They’re used in TP to make it more resistant to moisture and tearing.

Basically, they help your toilet paper hold up under, ahem, pressure. PFAS have been linked to a whole host of health problems, including liver damage, thyroid issues, and even increased risk of cancer.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to PFAS is associated with higher cholesterol levels, weakened immune systems, and lower birth weights. And here’s the worst part – they can accumulate in your body over time, which is definitely not what you want from your TP.

Because PFAS are so persistent, they end up lingering in the environment for years, contaminating soil and water.

According to the EPA, PFAS has been detected in the drinking water of millions of people across the United States. They’ve been found in the blood of fish, animals, and even humans, raising significant concerns about long-term environmental and health impacts.

Fragrances and Dyes

Ah, fragrances and dyes. They might make your toilet paper look and smell nice, but don’t be fooled. These additives are far from harmless. Fragrances are added to mask any unpleasant odors, and dyes are used to create those cute little patterns we sometimes see on TP.

Synthetic fragrances can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and respiratory issues. They often contain phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.

According to a study by the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, many synthetic fragrances can contain up to 200 different chemicals, many of which are not listed on the label. As for dyes, they can also cause skin irritation and have been linked to more serious health concerns like cancer.

The Skin Deep database by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) lists numerous dyes that are commonly found in personal care products, including TP, as potentially hazardous.

The production and disposal of fragranced and dyed TP contribute to pollution. The chemicals used can contaminate water sources and harm aquatic life.

The Environmental Science & Technology journal reports that many synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum, which is a non-renewable resource. This means that their production also contributes to the depletion of fossil fuels and the release of greenhouse gases.

Formaldehyde

Last but certainly not least, we have formaldehyde. This chemical is used to enhance the wet strength of toilet paper, making it less likely to fall apart when it gets wet. Sounds practical, but there’s a dark side.

Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, meaning it can cause cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, long-term exposure to formaldehyde has been linked to cancers of the nose and throat.

It’s also an irritant to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms such as burning sensations and respiratory issues. Not exactly what you want from something you use in such a sensitive area!

Formaldehyde can also leach into the environment, contaminating air and water. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) states that formaldehyde is particularly harmful to aquatic life and can disrupt entire ecosystems.

It also contributes to smog formation and air quality issues, affecting not just wildlife but also human communities living nearby.