Yes, a 2023 study found PFAS in toilet paper brands worldwide, but it is mainly an environmental concern rather than a major personal-exposure route. The chemicals are not added on purpose; they come from the papermaking process. For your own exposure, toilet paper is a minor source next to water, food, and cookware, though PFAS-free brands exist if you want to avoid it.
Key takeaways
– A University of Florida study found PFAS in 21 major toilet paper brands across several continents.
– The main compound, 6:2 diPAP, enters from the pulp and papermaking process, not as a deliberate ingredient.
– The bigger story is wastewater pollution; personal exposure from toilet paper is low. PFAS-free brands are available.
What the study found
Researchers at the University of Florida analyzed 21 major toilet paper brands sold in North America, Europe, Africa, and Central and South America, plus sewage from eight Florida treatment plants, and published the results in Environmental Science and Technology Letters (Thompson et al., 2023). They detected PFAS in the toilet paper and the sewage sludge, with the most abundant compound being 6:2 diPAP, which breaks down into smaller, very persistent PFAS over time. The takeaway from the paper was that toilet paper is a meaningful contributor of PFAS to wastewater systems.
Why PFAS end up in toilet paper
The industry says PFAS are not intentionally added to toilet paper. Instead, the chemicals enter during manufacturing, for example as machinery lubricants or coatings at the paper mill, or through recycled paper made from PFAS-containing source material. So this is contamination of the supply chain rather than a chosen ingredient, which is part of why levels vary by brand.
How much should you worry?
For personal health, toilet paper is a low-exposure source. The concern in the research is environmental: because toilet paper is flushed at huge volume, even small amounts add up to a notable PFAS load in wastewater and sludge. So the honest framing is that this matters more for water pollution than for your individual body. It is a reason to prefer cleaner brands where easy, not a cause for alarm. For where your effort counts most, see how to avoid PFAS.
Choosing a lower-PFAS option
Some brands now test for and market themselves as PFAS-free. Because PFAS in toilet paper comes from manufacturing rather than a labeled ingredient, you cannot tell from the package alone, so look for brands that publish third-party PFAS testing. Bamboo and recycled options vary, so check the specific brand’s testing rather than assuming a material is cleaner.
FAQ
Does toilet paper really contain PFAS?
Yes. A 2023 University of Florida study found PFAS in 21 major toilet paper brands across several continents. The most common compound was 6:2 diPAP, which entered from the papermaking process rather than being added on purpose, so levels vary by brand.
Is PFAS in toilet paper dangerous to my health?
For personal exposure it is a minor source compared with drinking water, food, and cookware. The bigger concern in the research is environmental, since flushed toilet paper adds a notable PFAS load to wastewater. It is worth choosing cleaner brands, not worth alarm.
Why is there PFAS in toilet paper if it is not added?
The chemicals enter during manufacturing, for example through machinery lubricants and coatings at the paper mill, or via recycled paper made from PFAS-containing materials. The industry says PFAS are not intentionally added, which is why contamination differs between brands.
What toilet paper is PFAS-free?
Some brands now publish third-party PFAS testing and market themselves as PFAS-free. Because the contamination comes from manufacturing rather than a labeled ingredient, you cannot tell from the package, so choose brands that share independent test results.
Is bamboo toilet paper free of PFAS?
Not automatically. PFAS in toilet paper comes from the manufacturing process, so bamboo and recycled options vary by maker. Check the specific brand’s third-party testing rather than assuming a material is inherently cleaner.
The bottom line
Toilet paper does contain PFAS, mostly picked up during manufacturing, but it is a small personal exposure and a larger environmental one. If it bothers you, choose a brand with published PFAS testing, and put your real effort into water, cookware, and packaging.
