The Toxic Touch: How Tissue Paper Could Be Harming Your Health

Tissue paper is today an indispensable part of European life, a necessity for cleanliness, hygiene, and convenience. Facial tissue, napkins, toilet tissue, and paper towels - its use is astronomical. In fact, Europe itself uses 23% of the world's total supply of tissue paper, and 6 million tons of it are manufactured annually. On an average, each European uses over 13 kg of tissue paper annually, and that speaks volumes about the irreplaceable role played by it in modern living.

While tissue paper is admired for convenience and hygiene, few production companies consider the chemical process of its manufacture. But majority of other companies end up using bleaches, softeners, and recycled fibers to enhance its quality but can possibly be toxic. Chlorine derivatives, formaldehyde, and BPA are some chemicals applied in tissue paper which is having a serious impact on environmental and health.

Chemicals used in manufacturing process:

1. Chlorine Compounds are used extensively for bleaching the paper, which leads in formation of dioxins and these are considered as long environmental pollutants.

2. Formaldehyde is majorly used for enhancing the softness and strength of the paper.

3. Most of the Tissue papers are produced with recycled tissue, which in turn leads may to introduction of Phthalates and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from residual inks & adhesives.

Potential Health Implications

1. Respiratory Issues: Formaldehyde, added to soften and toughen tissues, irritates the respiratory tract and causes asthma and chronic bronchitis.

   
   

2. Skin Irritations: Long-term exposure to additives and residues of tissue paper creates dermatitis, inflammation, redness, and itching.

   
   

3. Hormonal Interferences: Bisphenol A (BPA), commonly employed in recycled tissue products, is an endocrine disruptor that interferes with hormonal balance and causes reproductive issues.

   
   

4. Carcinogenic Hazards: Dioxins, the byproducts of chlorine bleaching, are also known to be carcinogens and have been linked with increasing the risk of lymphoma and leukemia cancers.

   
   

5. Allergic Reactions: Certain tissue papers have dyes and fragrances that cause allergies and lead to symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, and skin rashes.

   
   

   Although precise statistics about the incidence of these health disorders directly attributable to tissue paper use in Europe are scarce, these possible risks must be known.

   
   

Alternative Options - Use the following alternatives to prevent exposure to these chemicals:

• Unbleached or Chlorine-Free Products: Use tissue papers labeled as unbleached or processed without chlorine to prevent exposure to dioxin.

• Certified Organic Products: Use tissue papers that are certified organic, meaning they are free from toxic chemicals.

• Reusable Cloths: In certain applications, reusable cloths made of natural fibers can be sustainable alternatives.

  
  

With consciousness about chemicals in tissue paper and consideration of these alternatives, consumers can make decisions that allow for both personal wellness and environmental sustainability.

Make your choices carefully, as every decision you take today will shape your future.

References:

1. European Tissue Symposium. (n.d.). Facts and figures about the tissue industry. Retrieved from https://europeantissue.com/about-tissue/fact-and-figures/

2. Environmental Working Group (EWG). (2023, March). Study: Toilet paper a major source of toxic "forever chemicals". Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/news-insights/news-release/2023/03/study-toilet-paper-major-source-toxic-forever-chemicals

3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). (2021). Toxicological profile for formaldehyde. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved from https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp111-c1.pdf