Hidden Toxins in Paper Products: TP, Tissues & More - Scrunchy Living

Hidden Toxins in Paper Products: TP, Tissues & More

Key Takeaways

  • Conventional paper towels, napkins, tissues, and toilet paper can contain PFAS ("forever chemicals") — endocrine disruptors (chemicals that can interfere with your hormones) linked to fertility issues, thyroid disruption, and immune problems — especially in "extra-absorbent" or "spill-proof" varieties.
  • Many recycled paper products are made using thermal receipt paper, which is one of the most concentrated sources of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) in everyday life — meaning "recycled" doesn't automatically mean safer.
  • Switching to unbleached, fragrance-free, PFAS-free paper products is one of the most affordable and accessible swaps in a non-toxic home — and you don't have to do it all at once.

Why Your Paper Products Deserve a Second Look

You're already reading labels on your food and skincare. You've probably swapped your plastic water bottle and thought twice about your cookware. But the paper towel you just used to wipe down the highchair tray? The toilet paper you're going through rolls of while pregnant? The tissues your toddler is pressing against their face all winter?

These feel too basic to worry about. That's exactly why most people don't.

The truth is, paper products are used in high-contact, high-frequency ways — and when they contain problematic chemicals, that exposure adds up fast. This article breaks down what's actually in conventional paper products, why it matters especially during pregnancy and for babies, and how to make smarter swaps without spending more than you need to.

🩺 Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider with questions about your health during pregnancy, postpartum, or for your child.

What's Actually in Conventional Paper Products?

Are paper towels really just paper?

Not always. Many conventional paper towels — especially the ones marketed as "extra strong" or "spill-proof" — are treated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), a class of synthetic chemicals used to boost fluid and grease resistance. PFAS are endocrine disruptors, meaning they can interfere with the hormonal signaling that regulates reproduction, metabolism, thyroid function, and immune response. NIH National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

A 2024 investigation by Mamavation tested paper towel products for indications of PFAS contamination — and the results were a reminder that "spill-proof" claims often come with a chemical trade-off consumers aren't told about.

Beyond PFAS, many conventional paper towels are bleached with chlorine-based compounds, which can generate trace amounts of dioxins — a class of persistent environmental pollutants associated with immune and hormonal disruption. EPA on Dioxins

If you only do one thing from this section, do this: Replace your "heavy duty" or "ultra-absorbent" paper towels first — those are the most likely to contain PFAS treatment. Switch to unbleached, fragrance-free options.

What about toilet paper — is fragrance really a big deal?

Yes — especially during pregnancy and postpartum, when the pelvic region is more sensitive. Fragrance is one of the most common causes of pelvic irritation and can disrupt the vaginal microbiome, which plays a direct role in protecting against UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and yeast infections. Fragranced toilet paper is one of the sneakiest sources of this exposure because it's used multiple times a day, in direct contact with sensitive tissue.

And fragrance isn't the only concern. A 2024 analysis of toilet paper and wet wipes flagged PFAS as a contaminant of concern, with forever chemicals linked to pregnancy complications, elevated cancer risk, and hormonal imbalances. EWG

There's also the recycled paper problem: many toilet paper brands use recycled paper that includes thermal receipt paper — and receipt paper is one of the most concentrated sources of bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS) exposure in everyday products. A 2024 Ecology Center study found that approximately 80% of receipts from major U.S. retailers contained bisphenols. When that receipt paper gets recycled into toilet paper, those chemicals can follow.

SCRUNCHY MOM TIP: Look for toilet paper that's labeled unbleached (it'll be brown or off-white) or processed chlorine-free (PCF). "BPA-free" doesn't automatically mean bisphenol-free — BPS is equally concerning and often used as a replacement. NIH on BPS

Start here this week: Swap to a fragrance-free, unbleached, or bamboo toilet paper. Brands like Who Gives A Crap (unbleached bamboo) or Reel are widely available and comparably priced to conventional options.

Are napkins and tissues just as concerning?

The same issues apply. Conventional napkins — especially those marketed as "extra-absorbent" or "grease-proof" — are among the paper products most likely to be treated with PFAS for fluid resistance. Dyes and added fragrances in napkins and tissues serve no functional purpose and can contribute to respiratory irritation, skin irritation, and headaches with repeated exposure.

Recycled napkins carry the same thermal receipt paper risk as TP and paper towels. Since napkins often come into contact with food and mouths, this is a direct ingestion pathway — particularly relevant if you have young children.

For tissues used around babies and toddlers, look for unbleached or PCF options with no added fragrance or lotion. Many "soothing" tissues contain fragrance and skin-conditioning agents that aren't necessary and may irritate sensitive skin.

If you only do one thing from this section, do this: Replace lotion-added or fragranced tissues with a plain, fragrance-free, unbleached option — especially for babies and kids.

What about parchment paper and food-contact paper products?

This one surprises a lot of people. Conventional parchment paper is often bleached and coated with nonstick compounds — including PFAS — which can transfer to food during cooking, especially at high temperatures. PFAS in food-contact materials have been linked to fertility issues, immune dysfunction, hormonal disruption, and thyroid problems. FDA on PFAS in Food Packaging

What you actually want is unbleached parchment paper (it will be brown, not white) with a silicone coating rather than a PFAS-based nonstick coating. Silicone is considered significantly lower-risk for food-contact applications.

Start here this week: Replace your conventional white parchment paper with an unbleached, totally chlorine-free (TCF), silicone-coated alternative.

Safer Swaps: Good, Better, Best

Paper Towels

  • Good: Fragrance-free, unbleached conventional paper towel (Seventh Generation, 365 Whole Foods)
  • Better: Bamboo paper towels — naturally more absorbent, often PFAS-free
  • Best: Reusable cloth wipes or Scrunchy All-Purpose Wipes — non-toxic, quats-free, rinse surfaces thoroughly before food or skin contact, and individually wrapped for on-the-go use

Scrunchy All-Purpose Wipes

The Scrunchy All-Purpose Wipes are a genuinely practical swap for paper towels in high-contact situations — restaurant tables, airplane tray tables, highchair trays — without the chemical load of conventional disposable wipes.

Toilet Paper

  • Good: Fragrance-free, no-dye conventional TP (Seventh Generation unbleached)
  • Better: Bamboo TP from a brand that discloses chlorine-free processing (Who Gives A Crap, Reel)
  • Best: Unbleached bamboo or sugarcane TP, PCF-certified, from a brand that openly tests for PFAS

Parchment Paper

  • Good: Any unbleached (brown) parchment paper vs. bleached white
  • Better: If You Care Parchment Paper — unbleached, totally chlorine-free, non-toxic, and compostable
  • Best: Beyond Gourmet Unbleached Parchment Paper — chlorine-free, PFAS-free, compostable; also consider Bee's Wrap for replacing cling wrap and wax paper entirely with a reusable, organic cotton alternative

A Note for Pregnant Moms and Babies

Prenatal and infant exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals — including PFAS and bisphenols — is an area of growing research concern. A study of 718 child-mother pairs found that maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was associated with lower IQ scores in children, with bisphenol F (BPF) identified as particularly concerning. NIH/NIEHS

The developing hormonal and immune systems in fetuses and infants are more sensitive to these disruptions than adult bodies are. Paper products used in diapering, feeding, and food prep are worth prioritizing in your swap list — not because you've done anything wrong, but because small changes in this category have a disproportionate impact during this window.

If you're on a tight budget, start with toilet paper (fragrance-free, unbleached) and food-contact paper (parchment) first, and don't stress yet about matching everything at once.

Good Brands to Buy

  • Scrunchy All-Purpose Wipes — Non-toxic, quats-free, individually wrapped; the cleanest option for food-contact surfaces and on-the-go use (budget-friendly per-use cost)
  • Beyond Gourmet Unbleached Parchment Paper — TCF, PFAS-free, compostable; solid everyday baking swap
  • If You Care Parchment Paper — Widely available, unbleached, TCF; often found at Whole Foods and Target (budget option)
  • Bee's Wrap — Reusable, washable food wrap made from GOTS-certified organic cotton; replaces plastic wrap and conventional wax paper
  • Who Gives A Crap (bamboo TP) — Fragrance-free, unbleached, no recycled receipt paper; widely available online (mid-range price)
  • Reel (bamboo TP) — Chlorine-free, fragrance-free bamboo; a comparable budget bamboo TP option

FAQ

Q: Is recycled toilet paper actually worse than regular TP from a toxin standpoint?

A: It can be. The concern is that recycled paper products often include thermal receipt paper in the feedstock, and receipt paper is heavily coated in bisphenols like BPA and BPS. While the processing dilutes the concentration, it doesn't eliminate it. If you're choosing between recycled and virgin-fiber TP, virgin bamboo or sugarcane that's PCF-certified is generally considered the lower-toxin option for pregnant women and babies.

Q: Do PFAS in paper towels actually transfer to food or skin?

A: Yes, this is a documented concern with food-contact paper products. PFAS can migrate from treated paper products to food, particularly when heat and moisture are present — think patting dry cooked food, or using paper towels to absorb grease from hot dishes. FDA has acknowledged PFAS migration from food-contact materials as an area of active regulatory attention. For skin contact (wiping hands, babies' faces), the risk is lower but still worth reducing given cumulative daily exposure.

Q: What's the fastest, cheapest swap I can make right now?

A: Stop buying fragranced or "lotion-infused" tissues and toilet paper — immediately. Those products are adding zero functional benefit and multiple unnecessary chemical exposures. The unscented, unbleached versions are available at virtually every grocery store and are often the same price or cheaper. That single swap removes fragrance compounds and reduces your PFAS exposure risk at the same time.

🩺 Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your OB, midwife, or healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine during pregnancy, postpartum, or for your infant or child. Scrunchy Living does not make medical claims about any product or ingredient.

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Scrunchy All-Purpose Wipes Non-toxic, quats-free all-purpose wipes by Scrunchy Living — safe for household surfaces (rinse before food contact), rinse after use…
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Beyond Gourmet A brand of "unbleached" parchment paper. This paper is chlorine-free (TCF), non-toxic… Buy on Amazon
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Bee's Wrap A reusable, washable, and compostable food wrap. Bee's Wrap is a sustainable alternative… Buy on Amazon

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