Is There PFAS in Toilet Paper?
A 2023 study found some. Researchers reporting in Environmental Science and Technology Letters identified toilet paper as an unexpected source of PFAS in wastewater systems, according to the American Chemical Society, which publishes the journal. The main PFAS they detected were diPAPs, which can convert to more stable PFAS such as PFOA, and the most abundant, 6:2 diPAP, was present at low levels, in the parts per billion range.
The American Chemical Society says some paper makers add PFAS when turning wood into pulp, which can be left behind in the paper, and that recycled toilet paper could be made from fibers that came from materials containing PFAS.
The researchers calculated that toilet paper contributed about 4 percent of the 6:2 diPAP in sewage in the US and Canada, 35 percent in Sweden and up to 89 percent in France, and said most PFAS reach US wastewater from other sources such as cosmetics, textiles and food packaging.
Sources checked September 15, 2026. Every point below links the page it came from.
The sources behind this answer
- StudyResearchers reporting in Environmental Science and Technology Letters in 2023 identified toilet paper as an unexpected source of PFAS in wastewater systems. American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! ↗
- StudyThe paper, by Thompson, Chen, Bowden and Townsend, is listed among the refereed publications of University of Florida engineering professor Timothy Townsend. University of Florida ↗
- StudyThe American Chemical Society says some paper manufacturers add PFAS when converting wood into pulp, and that recycled toilet paper could be made with fibers from materials containing PFAS. American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! ↗
- StudyThe primary PFAS detected were diPAPs, which can convert to more stable PFAS such as PFOA, with 6:2 diPAP the most abundant but present at low levels in the parts per billion range. American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! ↗
- StudyThe researchers calculated that toilet paper contributed about 4 percent of the 6:2 diPAP in sewage in the US and Canada, 35 percent in Sweden and up to 89 percent in France. American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! ↗
- StudyThe researchers say most PFAS enter US wastewater from cosmetics, textiles, food packaging or other sources, while toilet paper can be a major source in some places. American Chemical Society via EurekAlert! ↗
Sources checked September 15, 2026. A brand statement is the company’s own claim, which we report but have not verified. Our grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests.