For something that touches your most sensitive skin on a daily basis, toilet paper doesn’t get much scrutiny. But maybe it should.
From bleaching agents to chemical additives, many conventional toilet paper brands are made using ingredients that don’t belong anywhere near your body, or the planet. While PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have made headlines recently, they’re just one part of a much bigger issue. In this article, we’ll unravel what’s really in traditional toilet paper and why it matters for your health and the environment.
1. Chlorine Bleaching and Dioxins
One of the most common practices in traditional toilet paper production is bleaching, normally with chlorine, to give toilet paper that pure white look. But this process can produce dioxins, a group of toxic compounds that linger in the environment and the human body.
Dioxins are known endocrine disruptors and have been linked to reproductive issues, immune system damage and even cancer (EPA, 2019). Even in trace amounts, dioxins can accumulate in fatty tissues over time, especially with repeated exposure.
Only unbleached, or “Totally Chlorine Free (TCF)”paper, like our own bamboo toilet paper, avoids these risks entirely. Look out for toilet paper that’s labelled as “Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF)” as these still use chlorine compounds.
2. Formaldehyde in “Strong” Toilet Paper
Some ultra-strong or “quilted” toilet papers use formaldehyde to improve wet strength and durability. It helps prevent the paper from disintegrating when wet, but comes at a cost.
Formaldehyde is a known irritant and a probable human carcinogen (IARC, 2012). It can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions and even disrupt respiratory health when exposure is frequent.
For people with sensitive skin or existing health conditions, repeated contact with formaldehyde-laced paper can be especially problematic.
3. Fragrances, Dyes, and Other Irritants
Many mainstream toilet paper brands are scented or dyed, features often marketed as “luxury” or “extra soft.” But these extras can introduce a cocktail of unnecessary chemicals.
Synthetic fragrances are often made from phthalates, which are linked to hormone disruption and reproductive toxicity (Dodson et al., 2012). Meanwhile, artificial dyes can cause allergic reactions or skin irritation, especially in intimate areas.
4. PFAS: The Forever Chemicals
As we covered in a recent article, recent research has confirmed that PFAS, classed as “forever chemicals”, have been found in toilet paper and wastewater globally (ACS, 2023).
These persistent chemicals don’t break down in the environment and are associated with a wide range of health problems, including immune system suppression, developmental issues and increased cancer risk (ATSDR, 2024).
The Environmental Fallout
Aside from personal health concerns, the toxins in conventional toilet paper contribute to wider environmental harm. Chlorine bleaching, PFAS runoff, and deforestation from virgin pulp use all combine to impact waterways, wildlife and carbon emissions.
A 2020 report from the Natural Resources Defense Council found that major U.S. tissue brands rely heavily on virgin forest fibre, accelerating habitat loss and increasing greenhouse gas emissions (NRDC, 2020).
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper a Safer Alternative?
Compared to traditional options, bamboo toilet paper is typically free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. Many brands (including DooGood) opt for totally chlorine-free or unbleached processes, minimising both skin irritation and environmental impact.
Bamboo is also fast-growing, renewable, and biodegradable, a triple win for sustainability. That said, not all bamboo toilet paper is created equal. Look for products that are:
- TCF (Totally Chlorine Free) or unbleached
- Free from added fragrances or dyes
- Sourced from FSC-certified, responsibly managed forests
- Packaged without plastic
References
- United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Dioxins and Their Effects on Human Health. Available online. Accessed 31st October 2025.
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Formaldehyde, 2-Butoxyethanol and 1-tert-Butoxypropan-2-ol. Available online. Accessed 31st October 2025.
- Dodson, R.E. et al. (2012). Endocrine Disruptors and Indoor Environmental Quality. Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(10), 1360–1365. Available online. Accessed 31st October 2025.
- American Chemical Society (ACS). Toilet paper is an unexpected source of PFAS in wastewater. Available online. Accessed 31st October 2025.
- Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The Issue with Tissue: How Americans are Flushing Forests Down the Toilet. Available online. Accessed 31st October 2025.