Health risks of toilet roll. Image credit: Daily Express
An oncologist, Dr. Eze Njoku, has urged Nigerians to exercise caution when using toilet roll, noting that studies have linked the chemicals employed in its production to a variety of health problems, including cancer, infertility and liver disease. Dr. Njoku explained that chlorine, a chemical used in paper manufacturing, creates dangerous toxins such as dioxins and furans, which can accumulate in the body and cause serious health issues.
The expert, speaking exclusively with Healthwise, said the bleaching process that makes toilet paper white involves hazardous chemicals that pose risks such as impaired reproduction and development, immune‑system damage, endocrine disruption and carcinogenic potential. He added that recent studies have found many types of toilet paper contain a hazardous class of synthetic compounds known as PFAS. Exposure to PFAS is associated with cancer, asthma, thyroid disease, liver damage and reproductive problems, and toilet paper may also release these compounds into wastewater systems.
Dr. Njoku suggested using a bidet, washable cloths or bamboo paper instead of bleached, chemical‑filled toilet paper. “The method used to whiten toilet paper is called bleaching. While unbleached products are often rougher to the touch, the majority of businesses adopt this process. Chlorine, which can result in the production of dioxins, is frequently used in bleaching. Dioxins are exceedingly toxic, and their dangers include endocrine disruption, immune‑system damage, reproductive and developmental issues, and the potential for cancer,” he said.
He warned that most toilet paper contains a wide range of hazardous compounds that are detrimental to health. “The whiter, fluffier and more scented your toilet paper is, the more chemicals it’s likely to contain.” Dr. Njoku recommended the use of a bidet or the installation of a small shower device next to the toilet as the best option for improved hygiene and environmental protection.
A 2010 study published by the National Library of Medicine discovered that formaldehyde is sometimes used to enhance the wet strength of toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. In addition to being a skin irritant, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen.
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