Chapter: What Scientists Found About PFAS in Toilet Paper
One reason toilet paper has attracted scientific attention is the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These chemicals form a large family of substances used in various industrial and consumer applications because some can resist heat, water, oil, and stains. Certain PFAS persist in the environment for a long time, which is why they are often called “forever chemicals.”
A 2023 study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters investigated PFAS in toilet paper and wastewater sludge. Researchers detected a compound called 6:2 diPAP in the samples they analyzed and estimated that toilet paper use could contribute measurable quantities of this compound to wastewater systems. The study raised an environmental concern: toilet paper may be one route through which PFAS enter wastewater.
That finding deserves attention, but it is important to understand exactly what the study investigated. It examined chemical presence and estimated contributions to wastewater. It did not demonstrate that using a particular toilet paper brand causes cancer in consumers. It did not establish that normal skin contact during bathroom use leads to a specific cancer risk, either.
This difference is crucial. Scientists often begin by identifying a chemical in a product, then investigate how people might be exposed to it, how much enters the body, and whether that exposure is associated with harmful outcomes. Finding a substance is only one part of that process. The amount, frequency, route, and duration of exposure all influence the potential risk.
PFAS are not one single chemical with identical properties. Different substances in this broad group can behave differently in the body and environment. Health studies have associated exposure to certain PFAS with outcomes such as changes in cholesterol, immune effects, and some cancers, but the strength of the evidence varies by compound and health outcome. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has classified PFOA as carcinogenic to humans and PFOS as possibly carcinogenic to humans. These classifications concern the specific chemicals, not toilet paper as a whole.
The distinction between a chemical's hazard and the risk from a particular exposure is equally important. A hazard is the ability of a substance to cause harm under some conditions. Risk depends on whether a person is exposed, how much exposure occurs, and the circumstances in which it happens. A chemical can be hazardous at certain exposure levels without every product containing trace amounts presenting the same level of risk.
Researchers are still studying PFAS exposure from different sources, including water, food, consumer products, and environmental contamination. For toilet paper specifically, the 2023 study is notable because it identified a potential contribution to wastewater. More research would be needed to determine the significance of different products and the degree to which their use contributes to human exposure through particular routes.
For consumers, this means there is no sound basis for assuming that every toilet paper roll contains dangerous levels of PFAS or that all conventional brands cause cancer. Nor does the study support a viral list of six brands to avoid when the image provides no brand names, test results, or independent evidence.
A reasonable response is to support transparent manufacturing, sound chemical testing, and efforts to reduce unnecessary PFAS use. Consumers who prefer simpler products can choose plain, unscented toilet paper from manufacturers that provide clear information about their materials and product standards. But they should not be led to believe that such a choice is a proven way to prevent cancer.
The scientific takeaway is measured rather than sensational: PFAS have been detected in toilet paper, and the potential environmental consequences merit further study. That finding is not the same as proof that ordinary toilet paper use causes cancer. Accurate reporting should preserve that distinction.
Chapter: Fragrances, Dyes, and Other Ingredients — What Should Consumers Know?
PFAS are not the only reason consumers may ask questions about toilet paper ingredients. Some products are marketed with fragrance, colored patterns, lotions, or extra-soft finishes. These features may appeal to shoppers, but they can be unnecessary for people who have sensitive skin or experience irritation in the genital or anal area.
The skin in these areas can be delicate, and irritation may occur for many reasons. Fragrances, certain preservatives, excessive rubbing, moisture, soaps, wipes, and underlying skin conditions can all contribute to discomfort in susceptible people. A scented toilet paper product may bother one person while causing no noticeable problem for another. That variability makes it difficult to claim that one ingredient will harm every user.
For people who repeatedly experience itching, burning, redness, or a rash after using a particular product, switching to plain, fragrance-free toilet paper is a reasonable step. It may also help to avoid heavily perfumed wipes, soaps, and other products in the affected area while the cause is being assessed. If symptoms persist, recur frequently, or are accompanied by pain, bleeding, discharge, or other unusual changes, medical advice is appropriate.
It is important, however, not to turn a possibility of irritation into a cancer claim. Skin irritation and cancer are different outcomes. A product that causes discomfort in some users has not thereby been shown to cause cancer. The evidence required to establish cancer risk is different from the evidence used to assess allergic reactions or local irritation.