Medical Tests Affected by Lead in Paper Towels?

A client recently underwent lead testing.  And at the doctor's office, they were asked to wash their hands. Oddly, though, they were told not to dry their hands with a paper towel as you usually would. Instead, they were instructed to air dry. The explanation? They said paper towels contain lead and using one might affect the test results.

My mind was blown. You wash your hands and then dry them with a paper towel. Now they're clean, right? But you've actually just exposed yourself to a toxic heavy metal?

As an advocate for healthy choices, I was immediately compelled to look into this.  What I quickly discovered is that some paper towels do contain trace metals, including lead (CDPH, 2015).

Problems With Lead

Keep in mind that the CDC says there is no safe blood lead level (BLL).  Even low exposure may result in cognitive or behavioral effects as well as some pretty major health concerns. Lead has been linked to hearing and speech problems, learning disabilities, developmental delays, and attention deficits.  Lead has additionally been linked to kidney disease, high blood pressure, reproductive disorders, and even brain damage.

Lead poisoning doesn't always present symptoms. However, some people may experience things like irritability, abdominal pain, or neurological changes (Mayo, 2022).  Other complaints might include joint pain, headache, constipation, nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, memory issues, colic, or hyperactivity.

Because your body stores lead in your bones, teeth, and tissues, small exposures can accumulate and create larger effects over time. So while one paper towel might only contain a very small amount of lead, using multiple paper towels every day is sure to add up. Particularly when multiplied by all the other lead exposures we encounter throughout the day.

What is additionally concerning is that it's not just lead we have to worry about. Paper towels also commonly contain chlorine, formaldehyde, BPA, PFAS, and additional heavy metals like chromium or cadmium.  Not to mention dyes and fragrances to make them more attractive, or adhesives to hold the towels on the roll.  

Reducing Exposure

It's odd that medical practitioners aren't loudly warning against paper towel usage all the time and not just preceding a lead test. If you ever needed an excuse to ditch paper towels for more sustainable options, now is the time. Consider swapping your conventional paper towels with organic bamboo paper towels, reusable organic cotton hand towels, or microfiber cloths.

For personalized advice regarding lifestyle changes you can make to protect your health, schedule a phone consultation with Rose.

 

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What To Remember: Some paper towels contain trace metals and other toxic chemicals. Even small amounts of lead can interfere with the results of medical tests. And your body stores lead, which means exposure accumulates over time. Lead poisoning has very serious consequences. Choose paper towel alternatives to protect your health.