UNBS warns against unwrapped toilet paper

The Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) has warned the public against buying unwrapped toilet paper, saying it contains deadly chemicals.

This warning comes after the standards body said it found that most toilet paper on the Ugandan market, both locally made and imported, contains chemicals that cause cervical cancer.

"We picked toilet paper samples from supermarkets, trading areas like Kikuubo and distribution points, but all the samples we tested were found to be substandard with dangerous chemicals that cause cervical cancer. When we visited their premises we found most of them very dirty and they store the tissue on the floor," said Sarah Nantongo, a UNBS surveillance officer.

Nantongo also noted that some toilet paper manufacturers label the paper they use as 100% virgin when actually it is recycled. She said it should be labelled virgin, recycled or blended tissue paper.

"Most of the toilet paper hawkers sell on the streets is fake. But the toilet paper which is not wrapped is very deadly because toilet paper is a personal hygiene product and it should not be exposed to unhygienic conditions. If it is open, that means that we do not know where it is being manufactured. If anything goes bad, you will have nowhere to run to for help," noted Nantongo.

During a meeting with toilet paper manufacturers at Uganda Manufactures Association, it was also revealed that the most affected people are women because they use toilet paper for a wide variety of things such as removing makeup and for menstrual hygiene.

"Cases of women with rashes in their private parts have increased and after our investigations, we found out that the chlorine used to bleach the toilet paper is the cause. Chlorine bleach creates dangerous toxins such as dioxin and furans. When these toxins accumulate in our bodies they create cancer," said Dr Humphrey Lwanga, a gynaecologist at the Ministry of Health.

According to UNBS deputy executive director, Patricia Ejalu, starting June, all goods must have a certification mark before being accepted on the market. Currently, manufactures get the certification marks voluntarily.

"We are going to continue to monitor the quality of the toilet paper on the market but starting June 2018, all manufactures will have to first get permission from us to operate. We have called them for a meeting to sensitise them and if they fail to work with our inspectors, we are going to arrest and close their businesses," said Ejalu.

What you should look out for

• Look for non-bleached or recycled content.
• If it is very soft and white, it is potentially deadly.
• The manufacturer's name and address should be indicated on the product. If it is not clear, do not buy.
• Do not buy from the streets, most of it is fake.