The Hidden Danger in Your Tissue Box: Extremely Toxic PFAS Contamination Uncovered in 46% of Products

Posted on: Wednesday, August 14th 2024 at 3:00 am

Written By: 

GreenMedInfo Research Group

That soft, absorbent facial tissue you reach for when you have a cold or need to wipe away tears might be harboring a toxic secret. A recent study has uncovered the presence of PFAS "forever chemicals" in nearly half of popular facial tissue brands tested, raising alarming questions about the safety of these everyday products. As you dab your nose or wipe your child's face, could you unknowingly be exposing yourself and your loved ones to potentially harmful chemicals?

A new study by consumer watchdog group Mamavation has found indications of toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" in nearly half of facial tissue brands tested.1 The study, conducted in partnership with Environmental Health News, analyzed 13 popular facial tissue products for the presence of organic fluorine, a marker for PFAS contamination.

Key findings from the study include:

• 46% of facial tissue products tested (6 out of 13) showed indications of PFAS, with organic fluorine levels ranging from 10 to 25 parts per million (ppm)
• 66% of products with PFAS indications were advertised as bamboo-based
• All products with PFAS indications claimed some type of environmentally friendly feature or certification
• Organic fluorine levels ranged from 10 ppm to 25 ppm, likely indicating supply chain contamination rather than intentional addition

PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used for decades in consumer and industrial products for their water-resistant, stain-resistant and grease-proof properties.2 However, PFAS are extremely persistent in the environment and human body, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals."

Health Concerns

Exposure to PFAS has been linked to a range of serious health issues, including:

• Reduced immunity and vaccine response3
• Increased risk of allergies and asthma in children4  
• Impaired growth and learning in children5
• Higher cholesterol levels6
• Increased risk of certain cancers7
• Endocrine disruption8
• Thyroid problems9
• Reduced fertility10

Given these health risks, the presence of PFAS in facial tissues is concerning, as these products come into direct contact with sensitive facial skin and mucous membranes. While the health effects of PFAS exposure through facial tissue use are not yet known, experts recommend choosing PFAS-free alternatives when possible.

Safer Alternatives

The Mamavation study categorized facial tissue brands into "Not Our Favorite," "Better," and "Best" categories based on organic fluorine levels and environmental impact. Some of the safer options identified include:

• Eco Soul Bamboo Ultra Soft Facial Tissues
• Caboo Tree Free Facial Tissue  
• Seventh Generation 100% Recycled Facial Tissues

Consumers concerned about PFAS exposure may want to choose facial tissue brands that tested negative for organic fluorine indicators. Reading product labels and avoiding tissues advertised as "stain-resistant" or "water-resistant" may also help reduce potential PFAS exposure.

Broader Implications

This study adds to growing evidence of widespread PFAS contamination in everyday consumer products. Mamavation has previously found indications of PFAS in other product categories like cookware, makeup, food packaging, and clothing.11.

The findings highlight the need for stricter regulation of PFAS chemicals and greater transparency in product manufacturing. Consumers can help drive change by choosing PFAS-free alternatives and advocating for stronger chemical safety policies.

In the meantime, being aware of potential PFAS sources and opting for safer alternatives when possible can help reduce overall exposure to these pervasive and harmful chemicals.

This article is based on information originally published on Mercola.com.12

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References

1. Leah Segedie, "Facial Tissue Like Kleenex Tested for Indications of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' -- Guide," Mamavation, July 25, 2024, https://www.mamavation.com/health/facial-tissue-pfas-forever-chemicals.html.

2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, "Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Your Health," https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html.

3. Philippe Grandjean et al., "Severity of COVID-19 at Elevated Exposure to Perfluorinated Alkylates," PLoS One 15, no. 12 (2020): e0244815, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0244815.

4. Kristin M. Marks et al., "Maternal Serum Concentrations of Perfluoroalkyl Substances during Pregnancy and Gestational Weight Gain: The MIREC Study," International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health 222, no. 9 (2019): 1195-1203, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijheh.2019.08.003.

5. Chanelle J. Howe et al., "Prenatal and Childhood Exposure to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and Child Cognition and Behavior," Environment International 158 (2022): 106964, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2021.106964.

6. Stephanie J. Frisbee et al., "Perfluorooctanoic Acid, Perfluorooctanesulfonate, and Serum Lipids in Children and Adolescents: Results From the C8 Health Project," Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine 164, no. 9 (2010): 860-869, https://doi.org/10.1001/archpediatrics.2010.163.

7. Vassiliki A. Karageorgi et al., "Association between Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Thyroid Cancer: Analysis of the Multiethnic Cohort," Environmental Health Perspectives 129, no. 12 (2021): 127008, https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP8135.

8. Xiaofei Hu et al., "Endocrine Disruption by PFAS: Identification of Novel Targets and Pathways Using an In Vitro Screening System," Environmental Science & Technology 55, no. 12 (2021): 8173-8187, https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.0c08608.

9. Yao-Ping Chou et al., "Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Thyroid Hormones: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," Environmental Pollution 288 (2021): 117720, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117720.

10. Clara Amalie Gade Timmermann et al., "Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Male Reproductive Health: A Systematic Review of the Epidemiological Evidence," Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health, Part B 20, no. 1 (2017): 23-58, https://doi.org/10.1080/10937404.2016.1236547.

11. Leah Segedie, "Mamavation's Investigations," Mamavation, accessed, https://www.mamavation.com/investigations.

12. Joseph Mercola, "Facial Tissue Like Kleenex Tested for Indications of PFAS 'Forever Chemicals' -- Guide," Mercola.com, July 25, 2024, https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2024/07/25/facial-tissue-pfas-forever-chemicals.aspx.