Toilet Paper, Counterattack of Chemicals

Choi, Jae-Sook (Executive Director, Eco Consumer Cooperative)

Although newspapers and other types of plain paper are recycled and used, the main source of toilet paper is trees. For these raw materials to become toilet paper, a lot of chemicals are used mainly chlorine bleach and fluorescent whitening agent. Sometimes ink is used to print in drawings, and more chemicals are added for fragrance. Large amount of chemicals are used not only in toilet papers, but also in napkins and wooden chopsticks. This is not any different for recycled paper.

Fluorescent whitening agent is not lost even when washed or boiled

Among these chemicals, the one that needs most caution is the fluorescent whitening agent. Also called fluorescent bleaching agent, fluorescent whitening agent is added to textiles to whiten it. The chemical does not get rid of grime but instead covers it to make it look whiter and does not come off when washed or boiled. When the fluorescent whitening agent comes in direct contact with skin, it may cause atopic dermatitis, housewife's eczema and other skin disease. Those who argue that fluorescent whitening agent is a carcinogen, state that when this chemical enters the body, it causes harmful, negative effects. The problem is that fluorescent whitening agent is spread through the hands of many homemakers.

Currently, fluorescent whitening agent is restricted in products such as baby tissues and diapers, sanitary pads, and paper cups. However, it is not an overstatement to say that most white products use fluorescent whitening agent. When buying a product, it is nice to look at the product indicator for those that do not have any fluorescent whitening agent, but this too is not favorable. Recycled paper made from a 100% milk pack does not need any whitening agent since it is already white; however, this is not easily found commercially.

Wet tissues too, are not safe

It has become commonplace to carry around not only tissues but wet tissues as well, especially those who have kids. Wet tissues are composed of cloth, water, and additives. The cloth of wet tissues is made of polyester, which is harmful to our body, synthetic fiber, and nonwoven fabric. Nonwoven fabric are called ‘cloth that does not rip.’ It is a type of a chemical product using adhesives that not allows any fiber to disperse. Paraben and formaldehyde, types of preservatives, and propylene glycol, a type of humectants are also added. Fluorescent bleaching agent is also added to whiten the west tissues. It is also subjected to a process of disinfection and sterilization to remove micro-organisms. Wet tissues that contain these substances can cause eczema or skin rash. Remaining water left on the skin may also be possible to cause cancer. Non-woven fabric is also not environmentally friendly and may lead to an acceleration in environmental pollution.

Because of these various problems, organic wipes have been stealing the spotlight. One should choose products with labels including: Non-genetically modified organism (NON GMO), organic cotton 100%, Non-alcoholic, Non-artificial fragrance, Non-fluorescent, Non-formaldehyde, and Non-synthetic oil. The average span of wet tissues is two years; however, it is recommended to be used within six months after opening the package. After opening, it should not be kept in high temperatures, and one should be hygienic in taking out and closing the package.

Using safe products is recommended; however as trees are being used up, we suggest the use of handkerchiefs or cotton cloths.