Beware of "Toxic" Tissues! Protect Your Health from Being "Wiped" Away

Beware of "Toxic" Tissues! Protect Your Health from Being "Wiped" AwayJust this January, the National Bureau of Statistics released data on residents' retail sales of consumer goods in 2023, which showed a rapid increase in the consumption of paper products, with a growth rate exceeding 20%. This shows that tissues have become an indispensable necessity in our daily lives

Beware of "Toxic" Tissues! Protect Your Health from Being "Wiped" Away

Just this January, the National Bureau of Statistics released data on residents' retail sales of consumer goods in 2023, which showed a rapid increase in the consumption of paper products, with a growth rate exceeding 20%. This shows that tissues have become an indispensable necessity in our daily lives. However, many people, seeking lower prices, often choose tissues that are "extra large in quantity, but ridiculously cheap." CCTV previously exposed such tissues, frankly calling them "toxic tissues." So what exactly are these "toxic tissues"? What harm can they cause to our bodies?

I. CCTV Exposes "Toxic Tissues," Dirtier Than Dishcloths?

In 2019, CCTV News Channel reported on the results of product quality inspections on tissues in their product quality testing program. At the time, Jiangsu Provincial Supervision Bureau conducted random checks on 150 batches of toilet paper and tissues on the market, and the results were shocking: a staggering 36 batches of tissues and toilet paper failed the test. Among them, 19 batches of tissues had issues with their stated contents, meaning consumers were likely getting products that were "short-changed." But even more concerning is the fact that 9 batches of paper products exceeded the bacterial colony count by 13 times, earning them the label of "toxic tissues."

The production process of qualified tissues is strictly regulated, requiring "virgin wood pulp" as raw material, and going through processes like pulping, washing, bleaching, filtering, and dehydration. However, "toxic tissues" are the complete opposite. Their raw materials are likely to be recycled paper that has already gone moldy, even including drug packaging boxes. During the pulping process, they may use chemicals that are banned by the country to reduce costs and achieve higher profits. This means that consumers, buying cheap tissues, are likely buying "toxic tissues" that are dirtier than dishcloths.

II. Why Can't We Use Toxic Tissues? Doctors Remind: Harmful Substances Beyond Your Imagination

The harm that "toxic tissues" cause to the human body is far beyond your imagination. Here are a few common harmful substances found in "toxic tissues":

1. Formaldehyde: Many "toxic tissue" manufacturers, to reduce costs, illegally add formaldehyde or fluorescent agents containing formaldehyde. Due to the poor quality of raw materials used in "toxic tissues," the finished product often lacks color and flexibility. To compensate for these deficiencies, unscrupulous merchants use formaldehyde to ensure the stability and color of the paper, resulting in the finished product exceeding formaldehyde levels.

Long-term exposure to formaldehyde can irritate the mucous membranes of the human respiratory tract, causing swelling and congestion, leading to pneumonia, rhinitis, and pharyngitis. Long-term exposure can also severely damage lung function. Even more serious is the fact that formaldehyde has been listed as a Group 1 carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Formaldehyde contains a large amount of benzene molecules, which are highly volatile. Once they enter the human body, benzene molecules quickly participate in the blood circulation and damage the nervous system, increasing the risk of leukemia.

2. PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl Substance): British media reported that many unqualified tissues tested positive for PFAS. PFAS is a chemical widely present in the environment, commonly found in plastic products. But some unscrupulous merchants, to ensure the color of the tissues, use inferior bleaching agents, which may contain PFAS.

Once PFAS enters the human body, it cannot be eliminated and binds to serum proteins, accumulating in organs like the liver and kidneys. Minor effects can lead to decreased organ function, while more severe effects can lead to related cancers. Research teams at the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California have separately confirmed that PFAS increases the risk of liver cancer.

3. Industrial Talcum Powder: To make "toxic tissues" feel more "flexible," some manufacturers use industrial talcum powder for production. Industrial talcum powder contains a high concentration of heavy metal components, which, when ingested in large quantities, can irritate the nervous system and easily lead to lung cancer and other serious illnesses.

III. Note These Points to Ensure "Tissue Safety"

To ensure "tissue safety," we need to pay attention to the following points when purchasing paper products:

1. Pay Attention to the Executed Standard: All tissue standards are mainly divided into two types: GB/T20808 and GB/T20810. The main difference between these two standards lies in the bacterial colony count. GB/T20808 has a lower bacterial colony count, typically <200 cfu/g, while GB/T20810 is <600 cfu/g. This means that tissues that meet the GB/T20808 standard are more suitable for wiping hands and mouths, while those meeting the other standard are more suitable for toilet environments. It is recommended that when choosing tissues, you pay attention to the executed standard and choose safer and healthier tissues. For cheap tissues without an executed standard, try to avoid them.

2. Look at the Raw Materials: Choose tissues made from virgin wood pulp or bamboo pulp. These tissues use fresh, natural materials as raw materials, effectively avoiding chemicals and harmful substances.

3. Choose Reputable Brands: Choose reputable and well-known brands, whose products generally have stricter quality control, ensuring greater safety.

4. Pay Attention to the Production Date: Choose tissues with a recent production date to avoid using expired products.

5. Pay Attention to Hygiene Habits: Even when using qualified tissues, it's important to maintain good hygiene habits; avoid touching tissues with dirty hands.

6. Wash Hands Frequently: Frequent handwashing can effectively reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

7. Clean Regularly: Regularly clean household hygiene products, such as towels, toothbrushes, etc., to maintain environmental hygiene and reduce bacterial growth.

8. Maintain Good Ventilation: Maintaining good ventilation in your home can reduce the concentration of formaldehyde and other harmful substances in the air, reducing health risks.

9. Regular Checkups: Regular checkups can help detect potential health problems early and allow for timely treatment.

The harm that "toxic tissues" cause to human health cannot be ignored. We must be vigilant, choose safe and healthy tissues, and protect our health.

References:

[1] Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Associated with Exposure to Perfluoroalkyl Substances in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Jep Report

[2] Is the Toilet Paper You Use Every Day Qualified? CCTV News