A new made by scientists at the University of Florida claims that the toilet paper could be a source of chemical substances potentially hazardous to health.
After analyze wastewater and collecting samples of toilet paper in different parts of the world, experts discovered the presence of what is known as ‘eternal pollutants’.
What are ‘eternal pollutants’ or perforated substances?
According to the , perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 4,700 synthetic chemical agents, widely used by industry.
They are known as the “eternal chemicals” because they are extraordinarily persistent in the environment…and in our bodies too.
And besides they are directly related to serious health problems as:
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liver damage
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thyroid disease
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Testicular cancer.
But despite the known risk, they are present in a large number of everyday objects such as packaging, nonstick panscosmetics, clothes and much more.
Yet the European Union controls the use of these components and conducts studies to monitor the actual exposure of citizens to chemical substances.
What does the study say?
The study, published in the journal ‘‘comes to the conclusion that the main source of substances PFAs in sewage it’s the toilet paper.
The importance of this news is that PFAS persist in water even after they have been purged.
This means that these chemical agents are reintroduced into the environmentcontaminating the land and the food chain.
It has also been shown that there are countries like France in which toilet paper is the main source of contamination of their wastewater (89%), while in the US it only represents 4%.
The significance of this study is that thanks to it, the different governments may limit the amount of “eternal pollutants” used in the manufacture of toilet paper.
What real risk does consuming toilet paper pose? Should we be alarmed?
To find out if there are reasons for real alarm, We have spoken with Dr. Cañasdirector of the Carlos III Health Institute.
Cañas clarifies that “PFAS are found in many products of consumption as:
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nonstick pans
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Textile products
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The white colored paper
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Cosmetics…”
He claims that these ‘eternal pollutants’ are already practically everywhere, including in water and also in our own bodies.
But he insists that “the main entrance of these chemicals in humans is the digestive track“, and makes it very clear that the use of toilet paper is not a health alarm.
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“the dermal pathwaythe contact of PFAS with the skin, is a minority compared to ingestion”, so can we continue to use this product hygienic.
As Dr. Cañas insists, the real alert lies in the introduction of PFA substances into the environment.
For this reason, the (ESFA) imposes limits and controls the use of these compounds in food and water. Hence, four chemical agents have already been banned and they continue to investigate new regulatory measures.
What alternatives are there to toilet paper?
Although the use of toilet paper is not a health alarm, if you prefer to opt for another hygiene method, these are some alternatives:
- traditional bidet. The best substitute for toilet paper is soap and water. In most Spanish homes, this piece of toilet is still present, the bidet, with which the easiest alternative is to wash after going to the bathroom.
- electric bidet. Currently there is the possibility of installing an electric bidet to our toilet. It is a device that uses a pressurized water jet to clean the area. It is a simple and convenient way to eliminate toilet paper.
- Reusable toilet paper. It is based on a concept similar to that of cloth diapers, but in a roll format. It is usually made from cotton. Once used, it is stored in a bag to be washed, better by hand than in the washing machine, of course.