Do Paper Towels Have Chemicals? Details Explained

Do paper towels have chemicals? Yes, they do. Most are made using chlorine, adhesives, and other chemicals. These substances can leave harmful traces on the towel.

Paper towels are part of everyday routines. People use them to wipe spills, dry hands, and cover food. But many contain chemicals like BPA, dioxins, and formaldehyde. These can irritate the skin, contaminate food, and pollute the environment.

In this post, you’ll learn what chemicals are in paper towels and how they may affect your health. You’ll also learn why switching to a safer alternative like Swedish dishcloths is better.

Paper Towels Composition and Manufacturing Process

Paper towels are made from wood pulp that comes from softwood and hardwood trees. Some brands also mix wood pulp with recycled paper. The pulp is mixed with water and broken into small fibers. This mixture turns into a soft and wet base for paper towels.

Once the pulp is ready, it is bleached to make the towels look bright and clean. Most brands use Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching, which uses chlorine dioxide.

Some brands choose a safer method called Totally Chlorine Free (TCF), which uses oxygen, ozone or peroxide. These steps remove the natural color from the pulp and give the towels their white look.

After bleaching, the pulp is pressed into large sheets and dried. Manufacturers add resins, adhesives, and softeners to make the towels stronger and more absorbent. These help the towels stay together when wet and feel soft when used.

Finally, the paper is rolled, given texture, and cut into towels. Some brands also add scents, colors, or patterns to make them look and smell better. These extras may seem harmless, but can leave more chemicals on the towels.

Do Paper Towels Have Chemicals? 

Paper towels are simple to use, but making paper towels involves a range of chemicals. These substances help improve the strength, absorbency, and softness of the towel.

However, these chemicals can also leave residues on the towel and affect your skin, food, or the environment. Here is a breakdown of the most common chemicals found in paper towels and how they impact your health. 

Chlorine and Dioxins

Chlorine is widely used in bleaching to give paper towels a bright and clean look. This process can create harmful by-products like dioxins.

Dioxins can build up in the body and environment overtime. They are linked to hormone disruption, reproductive harm, and certain cancers.

Most brands use Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF) bleaching. It lowers dioxin levels but still relies on chlorine. Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) bleaching is safer which uses oxygen or peroxide instead of chlorine-based compounds.

Formaldehyde Exposure Risks

Formaldehyde is used in some paper towel production to improve wet strength. It helps the paper stay intact when wet and makes towels more durable for cleaning. This chemical is also found in adhesives and resins used during the paper-making process.

Formaldehyde is a known skin irritant. Health authorities classify it as a probable human carcinogen. Exposure can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions, and breathing problems. People with sensitive skin or asthma may react more strongly.

Low-cost or recycled paper towels are more likely to contain traces of formaldehyde. Although levels are usually small, repeated exposure may still pose risks. This is a bigger concern when towels are used for wiping hands or handling food.

BPA in Recycled Paper Towels

Recycled paper towels can contain traces of BPA. This chemical comes from thermal receipts and coated papers that enter the recycling process. When these materials are mixed, BPA can transfer into new paper products, including paper towels.

It affects hormone balance and is linked to reproductive, developmental, and metabolic issues. Using recycled paper towels in the kitchen may increase the chance of BPA leaching into food. This risk is higher when the towels are wet or heated.

Virgin paper towels made from fresh wood pulp have a much lower BPA risk. Choosing virgin or BPA-free paper towels is a safer option for food or skin contact.

PFAS in Recycled Paper Towels

PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" because they can stay in the environment for a long time. These chemicals can enter recycled paper towels when materials like food packaging are processed together. PFAS are used to resist grease, oil, and water. That’s why they are common in coated paper products.

The concern with PFAS is their ability to build up over time. It can build up both in the environment and in the human body. Research has linked them to serious health risks related to PFAS. that include certain cancers, immune system problems, and developmental issues.

Not all recycled paper towels contain PFAS, but studies show the risk is present. To reduce exposure, it is safer to choose virgin paper towels. You can look for PFAS-free certified products.

Fragrances, Dyes, and Adhesives

Many paper towels contain added fragrances, dyes, and adhesives to improve their scent and color. These extras make the towels look and smell more appealing. They also introduce risks that are often overlooked.

Fragrances and dyes can irritate the skin, trigger allergies, or cause reactions in people with sensitivities. Adhesives and coatings can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and phthalates.

They are linked to hormone disruption and breathing problems. These risks are higher with scented, printed, or brightly colored towels. It especially occurs when they come into contact with food.

It is safer to choose plain, unscented, and unprinted paper towels to reduce exposure. They offer the same cleaning function without adding unnecessary chemical risks.

Are Paper Towels Safe for Food and Kitchen Use?

Many paper towels are labeled as safe for kitchen use, but not all meet food safety standards. Some contain inks, fragrances, or recycled materials that may release chemicals.

Plain, white, unscented paper towels are generally food-safe. Many are labeled as FDA-approved or food-grade. It means they are safe for incidental food contact. But they are not meant for cooking or long-term contact with food.

Use only plain, unscented paper towels in the microwave. They are safe for short reheating. Avoid printed, colored, scented, or recycled towels, as they can release harmful inks or chemicals when heated.

For kitchen use, choose plain, white paper towels without scents, dyes, or recycled content. Check for food-grade labels to make sure they are safe around food.

Health Risks Linked to Paper Towels

Paper towels might look safe, but they can cause problems for some people. Chemicals like formaldehyde and perfumes can irritate the skin or cause allergies. People with asthma, eczema, or sensitive skin might have stronger reactions.

Some people think all paper towels release dangerous toxins like dioxins. That’s not fully true. Some paper towels have tiny amounts of dioxins from the bleaching process, but newer methods like ECF and TCF make them safer. Virgin and TCF paper towels have fewer risks than recycled ones.

If you have sensitive skin, it's better to use plain, unbleached paper towels. They have fewer chemicals and are safer for your skin.

Environmental Impact of Paper Towels

Some eco-conscious people think paper towels are safe for the environment because they are made from paper. But paper towels can still harm the environment if used too much.

Even though they look like plain paper, they often have coatings, resins, and chemicals. It makes them break down slowly, especially in landfills.

Recycled paper towels seem better, but they can still carry chemicals like BPA and PFAS. These chemicals come from recycled materials and can be harmful to the environment.

You can compost paper towels at home, but only if they do not have grease, dyes, or chemicals. Many paper towels need special industrial composting to break down properly. That type of towel is not an option for most households.

Eco-Friendly Alternative to Paper Towels: Swedish Dishcloths

Swedish dishcloths are an innovative and eco-friendly replacement for paper towels. They are made from natural cellulose and cotton, which makes them durable and compostable. Unlike paper towels that get used once and tossed, one Swedish dishcloth can last up to 9 months and replace 17 rolls of paper towels.

These Swedish dishcloths are easy to use. You can wipe up spills, clean counters, and tackle everyday messes just like you would with paper towels. When they get dirty, just toss them in the dishwasher or boil them in water for a deep clean.

They dry quickly, which helps prevent bad smells or bacterial buildup. It’s a cleaner choice than sponges or old kitchen rags.

Swedish dishcloths can handle a wide range of cleaning tasks around the house. You can use them on kitchen counters, windows, appliances, or dishes. Since they are made from natural materials, you don’t have to worry about chemicals leaching into your food.

By switching to Swedish dishcloths, you can reduce waste, avoid unnecessary chemicals, and save money over time. They are a simple way to make your kitchen routine cleaner, healthier, and better for the planet.

FAQs

Paper towels might seem harmless, but they can expose you to hidden chemicals. These chemicals can affect your skin, food, and the environment. Here are some common questions and answers about paper towel safety and better alternatives.

Are paper towels toxic to skin?

Yes, some paper towels can irritate skin. Chemicals like formaldehyde, chlorine, and fragrances may cause dryness, rashes, or allergic reactions. Sensitive skin may react more easily, especially when using scented or printed towels.

Do all paper towels contain BPA or PFAS?

No, not all paper towels contain BPA or PFAS. These chemicals are mostly found in recycled paper towels made from materials like thermal receipts. Virgin and TCF paper towels have a lower risk.

What is a safer alternative to chemical-treated paper towels?

Swedish dishcloths are a safer alternative. Made from natural cellulose and cotton, they contain no harmful chemicals. These clothes are reusable, washable, and compostable. You can use them for cleaning tasks and reducing exposure to toxins.

Are unbleached paper towels safer than white ones?

Yes, unbleached paper towels are generally safer. They skip chlorine bleaching, avoiding dioxins and other by-products. This reduces chemical exposure on skin and food.

Can you compost paper towels at home?

Yes, plain, unbleached paper towels can be composted at home. Avoid composting towels with grease, chemicals, or printed dyes. These may introduce toxins to your compost.

How can I tell if my paper towel is food safe?

Check the packaging for food-safe or FDA-approved labels. Avoid towels with prints, colors, scents, or recycled content. Plain, white, unscented paper towels from trusted brands are generally food safe.

Final Thoughts

Do paper towels have chemicals? Yes, some do. Many paper towels contain hidden chemicals that can leave behind traces. These traces may affect your health, food safety, and even the environment.

Fortunately, there are safer options than using paper towels. Switching to reusable Swedish dishcloths helps reduce chemical exposure and cuts down on waste. This simple swap protects your home while supporting a cleaner planet.

Make the change today. Choose safer, more sustainable alternatives for your everyday cleaning needs. Next time you reach for a paper towel, choose a safer and sustainable cleaning option. It’s better for both you and the planet.