Toilet paper is surprising source of PFAS pollution in wastewater worldwide, new study finds

02 Mar 2023 --- Toilet paper has been discovered to be an “unexpected source of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).” It has been detected in wastewater across several continents by researchers at the University of Florida. The chemical is famously known for its toxicity to human health and persistence in the environment.

Sewages provide a pathway for PFAS or “forever chemicals” to release into the environment. These chemicals have been found in personal care products, like cosmetics and cleansers, which are used daily and washed down the drain. 

The researchers in American Chemical Society’s (ACS) Environmental Science & Technology Letters underscore that few have considered whether toilet paper, collected in wastewater, could also be a source of the chemicals.

When making paper, some manufacturers add PFAS when the wood is converted into pulp. The chemical can “get left behind and contaminate the final paper product,” informs ACS. 

“In addition, recycled toilet paper could be made with fibers that come from materials containing PFAS.” When making paper, some manufacturers add PFAS when the wood is converted into pulp.

Mapping contamination globally
They found that toilet paper primarily expelled disubstituted polyfluoroalkyl phosphates (diPAP), which are carcinogenic compounds that convert more stable PFAS like perfluorooctanoic acid. 

Specifically, 6:2 diPAP was found to be most abundant in samples “but was present at low levels, in the parts-per-billion range.” Thirty-four compounds were analyzed from the paper and sludge solids.

“The researchers gathered toilet paper rolls sold in North, South and Central America, Africa and Western Europe and collected sewage sludge samples from US wastewater treatment plants,” shares ACS.

Approximately 4% of 6:2 diPAP was found in the US and Canada sewage samples. In France, diPAP was found at 89% and 35% in Sweden.

The researchers combined their results with the data from other studies that measured PFAS levels in sewage and per capita toilet paper use in various countries. 

Although North American consumers use more toilet paper than other nationals, the percentage suggests that most PFAS in the US wastewater systems originate from cosmetics, textiles, food packaging or other sources, say the researchers.Toilet paper primarily expelled diPAP compounds that are carcinogenic.

The study states that toilet paper can be a “major source” of PFAS in wastewater treatment systems in some places.

Previous research found that PFAS in cosmetics may penetrate the human skin barrier and accumulate within the body, increasing cancer risk. 

On the other hand, the UK-based Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association argued that PFAS used in makeup does not make products unsafe as they undergo strict regulation to meet legal safety requirements. Just because PFAS are environmental polluters, it does not mean that the chemicals used in cosmetics are equally harmful.In France, 89% of diPAP was found in sewege wastewater.

A forever problem?
Recognizing the dangers of forever chemicals, the EU is taking a closer step toward restricting 10,000 PFAS via a proposal drafted by five countries.

Moreover, the European Commission is proposing stricter rules to protect its waters that would require cosmetic companies to pay to remove “toxic micro-pollutants” from EU wastewater.

“Without ambitious rules for clean air and water, the industry will not change direction in any nature-beneficial or health-positive way,” Susie Hewson, founder at Natracare, previously told PersonalCareInsights.

In the US, the state of California banned the sale of intentionally added PFAS to cosmetics last October.

Recently, Thinx settled a class action lawsuit after allegations were made that its period underwear products contain potentially harmful PFAS chemicals despite being advertised as sustainable, organic and reusable.

By Venya Patel

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