Does Scott Toilet Paper Have PFAS?

What are PFAS and why might they be in toilet paper?

PFAS are a family of synthetic compounds prized for qualities like water, stain, and heat resistance. Since their introduction in the 1940s, they have been used across industries in foams, coatings, textiles, consumer goods, and more. This widespread use has led to significant environmental persistence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, PFAS were discovered in 97% of Americans’ blood samples tested in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Researchers studying PFAS often refer to them as “forever chemicals” because they degrade very slowly once released into the environment. Although many people associate PFAS with non-stick cookware or firefighting foam, experts say these chemicals can appear in paper goods too. In theory, the same water-resistant properties that help a product repel moisture could prompt manufacturers to add—or inadvertently introduce—PFAS into paper materials.

Toilet paper might carry traces of PFAS if raw materials, recycled fibers, or finishing agents in the manufacturing process contain such chemicals. Some of these compounds, such as PFOA and PFOS, have been phased out, but newly developed PFAS formulations continue to surface and are not as thoroughly studied. This ongoing discovery of PFAS in consumer products has led health agencies, including the National Toxicology Program (NTP), to raise concerns about potential immune suppression and other health impacts.

How PFAS can be introduced in paper products

Paper manufacturing can be complex, involving multiple stages of pulping, bleaching, pressing, and drying. In some instances, chemicals are used to treat paper for wet strength, smoothness, or absorption control. The following factors can introduce PFAS into paper:

• Raw material contamination. If recycled paper fibers originate from sources containing PFAS, the final product may retain low levels of these substances.

• Chemical aids and coatings. Certain chemical treatments added during manufacturing, such as binders or water-resistant coatings, might include PFAS.

• Equipment and process byproducts. Some older machinery or production processes could create cross-contamination, even if PFAS are not intentionally added.

• Supply chain anomalies. Contamination may occur when paper mills use water supplies containing PFAS or if other inputs (for instance, packaging films) transfer PFAS during storage.

While some paper manufacturers deliberately apply water-repellent coatings for specialized products, others may inadvertently introduce PFAS into routine household paper items.

Has Scott toilet paper been tested for PFAS?

Publicly available testing data for PFAS in Scott toilet paper remains sparse. Consumer advocacy groups such as Mamavation have lab-tested several popular brands, reporting the presence of organic fluorine to indicate potential PFAS. However, these publicly released findings have primarily highlighted other brands, such as Charmin, which was found to contain about 13 parts per million (ppm) in one test. At this time, no equivalent published data have singled out Scott brand for PFAS testing.

In addition, we have not seen official statements or product testing releases from Kimberly-Clark, which owns Scott, regarding any independent or internal PFAS analysis. As a result, it is uncertain whether Scott toilet paper contains PFAS at detectable levels. For consumers seeking definitive clarity, direct manufacturer disclosure or certified independent testing for Scott paper products would be the clearest confirmation.

What has Kimberly-Clark (Scott’s parent company) said about PFAS?

Kimberly-Clark, the parent company behind Scott, has not publicly released specific data on PFAS levels in Scott toilet paper. We found no official press statements, regulatory filings, or corporate responsibility reports that address PFAS in these products. The broader paper industry, however, has faced past scrutiny over chemical exposure issues, most notably asbestos in older manufacturing processes. Scott Paper itself once used asbestos materials for heat insulation before that practice was deemed unsafe.

Without a corporate stance on PFAS, the company’s position remains largely unknown. Some global paper manufacturers have implemented voluntary policies to eliminate or minimize certain chemicals of concern. Others prefer to meet regulatory standards as they apply. If developments in PFAS regulations accelerate, more paper producers may find themselves publishing chemical transparency reports.

Are PFAS common in toilet paper manufacturing?

While PFAS use in paper is more commonly associated with water-repellent products like food packaging, studies show toilet paper can also contain these chemicals. A March 2023 study identified disubstituted poly-fluoroalkyl phosphates (diPAPs) in both toilet paper and wastewater streams. Other consumer-based tests suggest that PFAS contaminants may vary widely between brands, possibly reflecting different supply chains or manufacturing choices.

Despite public attention, some experts, including Dr. Scott Belcher of North Carolina State University, have noted that PFAS in paper products may not always be deliberately added. Instead, it can appear through contamination or via recycled materials. Since toilet paper is frequently disposed of through sewage systems, it becomes a route for PFAS to enter wastewater treatment facilities. Removing these chemicals at the treatment stage demands advanced filtration technologies that many municipalities still lack.

Do any independent studies mention Scott?

We have not identified any independent research naming Scott brand specifically in PFAS testing results. The Mamavation investigation highlighted findings for multiple toilet paper labels, yet the final published data did not list Scott as one of the tested samples. This lack of mention does not necessarily confirm the absence—or presence—of PFAS in Scott toilet paper. It merely reflects the limited scope of publicly shared analyses.

For now, whether consumers wish to take caution or hold off on brand-switching likely depends on personal risk tolerance. The data that do exist suggest some popular toilet papers do contain PFAS at low levels, but it is unknown whether all major brands—including Scott—would display similar numbers if tested. Without conclusive results, the only genuine certainty is that more rigorous, industry-wide transparency would help customers make fully informed choices.

How to tell if a toilet paper brand is PFAS-free

It can be challenging to identify PFAS-free toilet paper from the label alone. However, a few steps can help consumers make more informed decisions:

1. Look for third-party certifications. Seals from reputable organizations sometimes indicate the absence of common chemicals of concern. Although PFAS-specific labels are not widely adopted, certain eco-labels may indirectly help.

2. Check brand transparency. Some brands openly publish chemical test results or mention PFAS-free status on their websites. Others detail their supply chain or highlight any known contaminants.

3. Ask for lab reports. If you contact a manufacturer, request the latest test documentation for PFAS in their product line.

4. Compare different product lines. Recycled or bamboo-based toilet paper often claims fewer chemical inputs. While this is not a guarantee, some studies do indicate fewer detectable PFAS in select bamboo or recycled items.

If test data remain unavailable, focusing on brands that actively work to reduce synthetic chemicals may reduce the likelihood of unintentional PFAS contamination.

What are the health risks of PFAS in toilet paper?

Ongoing research into PFAS focuses on how these chemicals interact with the human body and the environment. Scientists have noted multiple potential concerns:

• Immune system challenges. The National Toxicology Program found that PFOA and PFOS can hinder antibody responses, meaning people exposed to higher levels may see reduced vaccine efficacy or heightened susceptibility to infections.

• Hormonal disruption. PFAS may disrupt thyroid hormones, which play an important role in metabolism and growth regulation.

• Cardiovascular risks. Some studies link PFAS exposure to higher blood pressure in pregnant individuals.

• Developmental effects. Researchers have raised questions about lower birth weight and other developmental complications tied to prenatal PFAS exposure.

• Potential cancer links. According to epidemiological data, certain PFAS appear to correlate with cancers like kidney, testicular, and possibly others. This correlation alone does not prove direct causation, but it underscores scientists’ concerns.

Because consumers come into contact with toilet paper frequently, even minor PFAS contamination could contribute to cumulative exposure. Individuals already coping with known PFAS contamination—whether from drinking water or industrial exposures—may be especially cautious about secondary sources like personal care products.

We recognize that questions persist about PFAS’s true risks, particularly at lower exposure levels. Nonetheless, most major health agencies agree that limiting exposures to these persistent chemicals is a prudent approach. For more in-depth coverage of potential dangers, our pfas health effects page compiles insights from several peer-reviewed studies.

Safer, PFAS-free toilet paper alternatives

Many consumers concerned about toxic contaminants are switching to toilet paper brands that disclose their sourcing and test for chemicals. Below is a brief overview of products highlighted in consumer advocacy reports and in some manufacturer statements:

• ARIA uses over 90% post-consumer recycled content. Its partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation aims to restore habitats affected by wildfires.

• Betterway Natural Brown Bamboo Toilet Paper is hypoallergenic, unscented, and elemental chlorine-free.

• Who Gives a Crap donates half of its profits to build toilets in developing countries and offers both premium bamboo and 100% recycled options.

• Marcal Recycled Toilet Paper is Green Seal Certified and emphasizes post-consumer waste content.

• Save Trees tests its bamboo paper for PFAS; all results so far come back below the detection limit.

While none of these brands explicitly guarantee 100% PFAS elimination in all supply chains, they generally maintain higher transparency and more rigorous testing compared with conventional producers. Consumers who want the strongest assurance typically rely on lab test data, official brand statements, or third-party certifications.

If you believe you have experienced significant PFAS-related side effects or live in an area with elevated PFAS levels, we provide additional resources on how to handle potential contamination. For more details about ongoing legal actions or free case reviews regarding PFAS exposure, visit our partners at this PFAS lawsuit page.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is all toilet paper contaminated with PFAS?

Not necessarily. Some brands test negative or report only negligible traces of PFAS. However, analytical data on each brand remain limited. Many companies do not publicly share independent lab results. Checking for explicit PFAS-free statements or contacting manufacturers directly is often the best approach.

Can I lower my overall PFAS exposure?

Limiting contact with known sources, such as certain treated fabrics and non-stick cookware, is one strategy. For water sources, filters can be effective. We discuss filtration options on our pfas water filter page. Avoiding personal care products with added water-resistant features may also help reduce accumulation over time.

Are recycled or bamboo toilet papers safer?

Studies vary, but some indicate that bamboo-based or high-recycled-content papers are less likely to contain PFAS. This is not guaranteed, but manufacturers promoting chemical transparency tend to prefer more sustainable materials. Reviewing lab-backed claims can give a clearer picture of PFAS presence.

Does Scott toilet paper have PFAS at dangerous levels?

There is no conclusive information. We have not located verified test data for Scott specifically, and Kimberly-Clark has not published PFAS test results. Consumers concerned about potential contamination may prefer brands that disclose their chemical testing. Still, future research could clarify whether Scott’s products contain PFAS.

What if I have been exposed to PFAS and feel unwell?

If you suspect that PFAS exposure affects your health, you may wish to discuss testing options with a healthcare provider or seek a consultation with a legal expert. Visit our pfas contamination map or pfas liability pages for broader information on local PFAS levels and possible legal avenues.