Paper towels have become a staple in households and businesses for cleaning up spills, drying hands, and various other uses. They seem harmless enough, but recent concerns have been raised about potential toxins in paper towels. So are paper towels actually toxic?
The short answer is that while paper towels contain concerning chemicals used during manufacturing, they generally pose little risk with normal use. However, for certain sensitive individuals or over time with constant exposure, the accumulative effects could potentially cause health issues.
Chemicals Used in Paper Towels
In order to whiten paper towels and increase their wet strength and absorbency, a number of questionable chemicals are used:
- Chlorine bleach – Used to whiten and bleach the paper towels. This produces dioxins, which are toxic chemicals and known carcinogens.
- Formaldehyde resins – Formaldehyde is added to improve wet strength, but is also a known carcinogen.
- Dyes – Synthetic, petroleum-based dyes are often used to color paper towels. These can be contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.
- Fragrances – Many paper towels contain synthetic fragrances, which can contain hundreds of chemicals, many toxic or carcinogenic.
Key Takeaway: Paper towels go through extensive processing with concerning chemicals like chlorine, formaldehyde resins, dyes, and fragrances in order to achieve desired properties.
Health Effects of Chemicals in Paper Towels
Each of the main chemical additives used in paper towel production carry proven health risks:
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach creates dioxins when used in paper processing. Dioxins build up in the body’s fat cells over time and pose the following health hazards:
- Reproductive and developmental disorders
- Damage the immune system
- Interfere with hormones
- Cause cancer
Formaldehyde Resins
Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen that has been linked to cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia. Exposure can cause:
- Eye, nose, and throat irritation
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Cancer
Dyes and Fragrances
Synthetic dyes used in paper towels may contain heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic, which can accumulate in the body.
Fragrances contain phthalates and other endocrine disruptors that may lead to:
- Hormone imbalance
- Birth defects
- Developmental disorders
- Increased cancer risk
Key Takeaway: The accumulative exposure over years of using paper towels could potentially lead to serious health issues like cancer, hormone disruption, reproductive issues, and immune problems.
Are Toxins in Paper Towels Absorbed Through the Skin?
Since paper towels are often used for hand drying or skin contact, some toxins can be absorbed through the skin. However, the main concern is through inhalation.
When using paper towels, there is off-gassing of chemicals like formaldehyde and fragrances. Over years of exposure by inhaling these fumes, toxins can accumulate in the body. Those with sensitivity issues like asthma may be impacted to a greater degree.
Are Paper Towels FDA Approved?
No, paper towels do not require FDA approval since they are not technically considered food. However, the safety of any food packaging material is regulated under the Food Contact Substance (FCS) program.
So even though paper towels often come in contact with food during use, they escape the more stringent regulations required of food packaging. This allows questionable chemicals to still be utilized as long as they fall under acceptable limits for indirect food contact items.
What About Recycled Paper Towels?
Many consumers opt for recycled paper towels under the assumption they are safer and more eco-friendly. However, recycled paper can potentially contain even higher levels of toxins.
The recycling process often utilizes paper waste from sources like receipts and newspapers, which can be contaminated by:
- BPA – an endocrine disruptor found in thermal paper like receipts
- Heavy metals from newspaper inks
- Fragrances
- Other mystery chemicals
So while using recycled paper towels might save some trees, the trade-off is higher risk of toxic exposure.
Alternatives to Conventional Paper Towels
Thankfully there are safer, non-toxic alternatives to traditional paper towels:
- Unbleached paper towels – These are not processed using chlorine so avoid creation of carcinogenic dioxins.
- Tree-free paper towels – Rather than wood pulp, these are made from faster-growing sustainable sources like bamboo or sugarcane.
- Cloth towels/napkins – Reusable cotton dish towels or cut up t-shirts work great, just throw in laundry to reuse. More economical long-term.
- Cellulose/bamboo sponges – Reusable, biodegradable, and avoid plastic waste of regular sponges.
The key is finding paper towels made without chlorine bleach or formaldehyde resins, and choosing reusable options when possible. Consumer awareness and shifts in buying habits can drive positive market changes over time.
Is Using Paper Towels Safe?
Overall while not completely safe or non-toxic, paper towels should carry minimal risk with typical household use. Those with sensitivity issues or existing health conditions may choose to take extra precautions.
However, unchecked long-term use of paper towels multiple times a day for years could potentially allow toxins to accumulate. So moderation is advised, along with further research into which brands use safer processing without concerning chemicals.
FAQs
Are paper towels FDA approved?
No. Since they are not technically considered food items, paper towels escape the more stringent regulations and oversight required of food packaging.
Can chemicals leach from paper towels into food?
Even though exposure would be minimal, it is possible for small amounts of chemicals to transfer onto foods during use. This could be exacerbated on hot greasy foods.
Do chemicals rub off paper towels onto your hands?
Yes, direct skin contact provides opportunity for absorption of small traces of chemicals over time. But toxins are more likely to be inhaled during use.
What happens if a paper towel is accidentally ingested?
While not toxic enough to cause immediate major issues, it’s still best avoided. Paper towels are designed for external cleaning purposes rather than internal human consumption.
Can recyling prevent paper towel waste from ending up in landfills?
Unfortunately no. Due to food contamination and short fibers, paper towels cannot be recycled after use. However recycled paper can potentially be utilized in manufacturing new paper towels.
Are ‘green’ marketing claims for paper towels trustworthy?
Not always. Vague statements about using ‘sustainable materials’ or ‘organic practices’ require scrutiny. Check for specific details on processing without chlorine or formaldehyde.
Can switching to reusable cloth options eliminate paper towel waste?
Yes. Cloth towels, rags, and napkins are washable/reusable for years and avoid single-use waste. For occasional use, look for unbleached or tree-free paper.
Conclusion
Paper towels pose a relatively small risk to health with typical use frequencies and exposure levels.
However, it is clear that hazardous substances are introduced during manufacturing that in more concentrated doses could cause issues.
