Are you concerned about the presence of toxic PFAS chemicals in your toilet paper? You’re not alone. Recent studies have found these “forever chemicals” in major toilet paper brands around the world, raising alarm about their potential health and environmental impacts.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a class of over 14,000 synthetic chemicals used in many consumer products to resist water, stains, and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not naturally break down in the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various health issues including cancer, liver disease, decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, and reduced vaccine effectiveness.
While the toilet paper industry claims they do not intentionally add PFAS, the chemicals may be introduced through manufacturing equipment and processes. When we flush contaminated toilet paper, these chemicals can end up in wastewater, cropland (via fertilizers made from sewage sludge), and waterways.
So how can you find toilet paper that is free of these worrisome chemicals? We’ve researched the best PFAS free toilet paper options that are safe, sustainable, and effective.
The Problem with PFAS in Toilet Paper
A 2023 study by researchers at the University of Florida tested toilet paper from 21 major brands across North America, South America, Africa, and Europe. They found PFAS in every single brand, with levels suggesting the chemicals are likely used in the manufacturing process to prevent paper pulp from sticking to machinery.
With the average American using 57 pounds of toilet paper per year, this everyday household item is likely a significant source of PFAS pollution when flushed into sewers. Wastewater treatment does not effectively remove PFAS, allowing them to contaminate sludge used as fertilizer and waterways that receive treated effluent.
Top 5 PFAS Free Toilet Paper Options
Here are our top picks for PFAS free toilet paper that is safe for you and the planet:
1. Cloud Paper Bamboo
Made from 100% FSC-certified bamboo, Cloud Paper is ultra-soft, septic-safe, and biodegradable. It is free of harsh chemicals like chlorine and PFAS. The company uses plastic-free packaging and carbon-neutral shipping. Choose from 24 or 48-roll packs.
2. Amazon Aware Bamboo Toilet Paper
Amazon’s own brand, Amazon Aware, offers 100% bamboo toilet paper that is FSC-certified and Climate Pledge Friendly. This 3-ply toilet paper is strong, soft, and septic-safe. It is free of fragrances, inks, and dyes. The plastic-free packaging is recyclable. Choose from 6, 12, or 24-roll packs with subscription options available
3. Who Gives a Crap Recycled
Who Gives a Crap makes toilet paper from 100% post-consumer recycled paper, without any inks, dyes, or scents. They are a certified B Corp dedicated to positive social and environmental impact. The company claims its 3-ply toilet paper is PFAS free. Individually wrapped rolls come in a recyclable cardboard box.
4. Caboo Tree-Free Bamboo
Caboo uses a blend of bamboo and sugarcane bagasse (residue from sugar extraction) to make its soft, strong, and sustainable toilet paper. The company states its products are free of chemicals, dyes, fragrances, BPA, and chlorine bleach. Caboo is septic-safe and biodegradable.
5. Seedling by Grove Bamboo
Grove Collaborative’s in-house brand Seedling offers 3-ply toilet paper made from FSC-certified bamboo. It is PFAS free, septic-safe, and wrapped in plastic-free packaging. The company offsets carbon emissions from shipments. Choose a one-time purchase or subscribe for regular deliveries in 12 or 24-roll packs.
What to Look for in PFAS Free Toilet Paper
When shopping for PFAS-free toilet paper, here are some key factors to consider:
- Unbleached or TCF: Unbleached toilet paper is naturally brown, while Totally Chlorine-Free (TCF) paper is whitened without chlorine or chlorine derivatives that can contaminate the environment. Avoid Elemental Chlorine-Free (ECF) products.
- Bamboo or recycled materials: Toilet paper made from fast-growing bamboo or post-consumer recycled content requires fewer resources than virgin wood pulp and reduces deforestation. However, recycled paper may contain trace amounts of BPA.
- Plastic-free and minimal packaging: Choose toilet paper wrapped in paper rather than plastic film. Some brands offer bulk options and even ship in cardboard boxes without any plastic.
- Septic-safe and biodegradable: Especially if you have a septic system, make sure the toilet paper will break down and not cause clogs. Avoid additives that may inhibit decomposition.
- Third-party certifications: Look for trusted eco-labels like Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) for sustainable forest products, USDA Certified Biobased, or Green Seal.
Making the Switch to PFAS Free
As awareness grows about PFAS contamination in toilet paper and other products, more companies are offering safe and sustainable alternatives. By choosing PFAS free toilet paper made from bamboo or recycled content, you can help reduce the environmental release of these persistent chemicals.
However, avoiding PFAS exposure requires more than changing your toilet paper. These chemicals are found in many products like food packaging, nonstick cookware, water-resistant clothing, and personal care items. Opting for PFAS free alternatives wherever possible and supporting policies to restrict nonessential uses of PFAS can help protect public health.
No one should have to worry that their toilet paper may be contaminating their bodies and the environment with toxic forever chemicals. With these PFAS free options, you can feel confident about what you’re flushing. Making the switch is a simple step toward a cleaner, healthier future.