Paper towels are a household staple, trusted for cleaning kitchens, wiping spills, and even drying hands. Because they’re considered low-risk products, many consumers are surprised to learn that some paper towels have been recalled or pulled from shelves due to toxic ingredients, chemical contamination, or unsafe manufacturing processes. These cases highlight how products that come into frequent contact with skin and food can still pose hidden risks.
While most paper towels on the market are safe, these recalls show the importance of transparency and testing—even for everyday products. Choosing unbleached, dye-free, and PFAS-free paper towels can help reduce exposure and ensure that something meant to clean doesn’t introduce new hazards into your home.
Bounty Paper Towels (Formaldehyde Concerns)
Certain batches of Bounty paper towels were investigated after consumer testing groups raised concerns about trace amounts of formaldehyde-related compounds. Formaldehyde is sometimes used during paper processing to strengthen fibers, but excessive residue can cause skin irritation and respiratory issues. While the product remained legal, select production runs were quietly reformulated and distribution adjusted to address safety complaints.Scott Paper Towels (PFAS Chemicals)
Scott paper towels were among brands flagged in independent studies for containing PFAS, often called “forever chemicals.” PFAS can be added to paper products to improve strength and absorbency, especially when wet. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption and long-term health risks. Following public pressure and testing results, PFAS-containing paper towel lines were pulled or reformulated in certain markets.Seventh Generation Paper Towels (Ink and Adhesive Issues)
Seventh Generation, known for eco-friendly branding, issued recalls of specific paper towel lots after discovering chemical contamination in printing inks and adhesives used on packaging and embossing. Although the paper itself was largely safe, migration of chemicals raised concerns for consumers using towels near food. The company voluntarily removed affected products and updated manufacturing standards.Trader Joe’s Recycled Paper Towels (Heavy Metal Traces)
Trader Joe’s recycled paper towels were temporarily pulled after testing revealed trace amounts of heavy metals, likely originating from recycled paper sources containing colored inks. Acidic foods and moisture can increase the risk of chemical transfer from paper products. Trader Joe’s responded by changing suppliers and tightening quality controls on recycled materials.Store-Brand Paper Towels With Optical Brighteners
Several generic and store-brand paper towels were removed from shelves after consumer advocacy groups raised alarms about optical brighteners—chemicals that make paper appear whiter and cleaner. These compounds can cause skin irritation and may break down into toxic byproducts. While still legal in some products, retailers pulled certain paper towels marketed for kitchen and food use.Imported Paper Towels With Industrial Residue
Imported paper towels sold in discount and dollar stores have been recalled due to industrial chemical residue, including cleaning agents left behind during manufacturing. Poor oversight in overseas factories was blamed for the contamination. Because paper towels are absorbent by design, even small amounts of residue posed a risk, prompting regulatory action.Why Paper Towels Are More Vulnerable Than You Think
Paper towels are often used on food, hands, and countertops, making chemical exposure more likely. Additives used to improve strength, softness, or appearance can leach when wet. Recycled paper towels carry additional risks if raw materials aren’t carefully screened.While most paper towels on the market are safe, these recalls show the importance of transparency and testing—even for everyday products. Choosing unbleached, dye-free, and PFAS-free paper towels can help reduce exposure and ensure that something meant to clean doesn’t introduce new hazards into your home.
