Making traditional paper requires a lot of harsh chemicals that may impact your health. With this in mind, many people are seeking alternatives. Some have chosen to replace toilet paper with a bidet, which has its own pros and cons. A more familiar option is bamboo toilet paper.
Bamboo toilet paper is marketed as soft and strong, eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and highly biodegradable. But is bamboo really better? Let's explore how bamboo toilet paper is made to determine if it's a safe choice.
Natural Resources
Bamboo is often referred to as a renewable resource because it grows rapidly. Some species grow up to three feet a day. Technically a grass, bamboo takes just three to five years to reach full maturity. Compare that to timber used for traditional toilet paper, which takes between 10 and 25 years.
When pulpwood is grown, most suppliers use a combination of pesticides and herbicides. The most notorious of which is glyphosate (Roundup), linked to cancer and endocrine disruption. Fertilizers are also used in an attempt to speed growth.
Conversely, bamboo grows quickly on its own and is naturally pest resistant, meaning it's often grown without any pesticides or fertilizers. Often, however, doesn't mean always. So it's important to know your source.
How It's Made
As mentioned, the traditional process of turning wood into toilet paper requires a lot of chemicals. The wood is heated and chemicals are used to make pulp. Sometimes formaldehyde is used. The pulp is then bleached, generally with chlorine dioxide or sodium percarbonate to create the clean white appearance we expect. By the time it hits shelves, most toilet tissue contains a variety of toxins, such as heavy metals, dioxane, PEGs and PFAS, also known as forever chemicals.
Turning bamboo into toilet paper is more mechanical than chemical. The bamboo is harvested, chipped, and then the stalks are cooked in a water-based solution, resulting in pulp. Most suppliers use a gentler chlorine-free agent to whiten the pulp, often hydrogen peroxide. The pulp is eventually cleaned, dried, and then pressed into sheets.
A quality bamboo toilet paper will be free of harsh chemicals like PFAS, BPA, chlorine bleach, dyes, or fragrances. Most bamboo toilet papers are produced by companies dedicated to providing an all-natural, sustainable product. But again, most doesn't mean all.
The Main Concerns with Bamboo Toilet Paper
The are two main concerns to take note of. First, some manufacturers use something called silicate of soda as a binding agent. If it is properly diluted, then EWG rates this ingredient as fairly safe. There are moderate respiratory concerns for it being inhaled in spray form, but a lower risk in liquid or solid form.
The second relates to a PFAS indicator known as fluorine. One study found a detectable level of fluorine in some bamboo toilet papers. Chronic fluorine exposure might be linked to severe tissue damage, respiratory irritation, or conditions related to joint pain.
That said, most brands promote claims of not using these chemicals. The best way to stay safe is to verify that a product has been certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). And look for labels that explicitly state they are chlorine-free and toxin-free. Avoid off-brand bamboo toilet papers with vague labeling.
FSC Certified Bamboo Toilet Paper Brands:
- West Bay
- Save Trees
- Reel
- PlantPaper
- Grove Co.
- ecoHiny
- Betterway
Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Pose Plumbing Concerns?
If you have a septic system or have experienced plumbing problems in the past, you might be wondering how well bamboo toilet paper flushes away. The good news is that this paper is super biodegradable. It breaks down more rapidly and requires less water than traditional paper. This actually reduces the chance of a clogged toilet or septic tank build up. As far as plumbing is concerned, bamboo toilet paper is a clear winner.
Conclusion
Take all of the available information to determine for yourself if bamboo toilet paper is the right choice. Despite being a bit more expensive, bamboo toilet paper is certainly better for your health than standard toilet paper. But they aren't all equal, so it's worth doing a little homework to ensure you choose a brand that is chlorine, fluorine, and toxin free. If you opt out of bamboo toilet paper, another viable option is the bidet, which eliminates paper waste and chemical exposure altogether.
Schedule a consultation with Rose for more personalized health and lifestyle guidance.
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What to Remember: Making traditional paper requires a lots of harsh chemicals and PFAS that may impact your health. Bamboo toilet paper is a better choice. The brand you choose matters. Select carefully. Look for the FSC seal of approval. Consider alternatives to toilet paper use. |
References:
Now We Need to Worry About Harmful ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Our Toilet Paper Too
Indications of Toxic PFAS “Forever Chemicals” Found in Toilet Paper — Report
Is Bamboo Toilet Paper Better?
Does Bamboo Toilet Paper Clog Pipes? A Plumber’s Perspective
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"Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance." - Ping Fu |