Tissue paper is part of our everyday use, including for hand and face washing as well as for wiping up of spills. It is hence a necessity in any house hold especially being easily accessible and easy to handle. Nonetheless, use of tissue paper is recurrent to elicit health effects concerning frequent usage especially with precautions in sustainability hygiene and sensitive skins.
In this blog, we will explore the potential health impacts of using tissue paper, how to mitigate them, and what to consider when purchasing from reliable tissue suppliers in the UAE.
Understanding the Different Types of Tissue Paper
To understand the health implications, one has to understand it first that tissue papers are not the same across the board. There are various types of tissue paper designed for different uses:
- Face Wipes: These are soft, thin; mainly for rubbing the face especially when sneezing or rubbing the nose.
- Toilet Paper: Usually soft, absorbent and for personal hygiene after the use of the toilet.
- Paper Towels: Sturdier and more absorbent than facial tissue, for purposes of mopping spills or wiping surfaces.
- Napkins: Thicker tissues placed on the dinner table, from which one dries his hands and face after having his food.
That is, the initial characteristics of the product remain the same, while the properties of each kind of tissue paper might differ in terms of texture, strength and composition. Irrespective of the type you choose it is important to focus on how the product affects on your health, as it is a product that directly interacts with your skin and body.
Potential Health Concerns with Tissue Paper Use
- Skin Irritation and Allergies
Skin rash is one of the most frequent complaints people make about their exposure to tissue paper. It is especially important in the use of facial tissue, paper toilet or the paper towel. It is very true that many of the tissue papers on the market even those of inferior quality have chemical content such as chlorine, formaldehyde or dyes added to the papers in the process of bleaching. Such chemicals if received in large quantities or continuously may cause skin irritation and skin dryness to the users in particular to those with sensitive skins.
Products such as tissues that are scented or that contain lotion on them also worsen the condition because they are believed to be delicate on the skin, but are actually the complete opposite. Alcohol or synthetic perfumes may sometimes be added in some tissues than can cause contact dermatitis, making the affected area to swell, become itchy, or red. Thus, when buying tissues from tissue suppliers in UAE, it is important to go for hypoallergenic and chemical free tissues in order to avoid such skin nuisance.
- Respiratory Issues
Scented tissue paper such as facial tissues pose a danger to an individual’s breathing. The fragrance in the tissue papers often contains volatile organic compounds that cause aftereffects of fragrances, which people with ailments such as asthma or other respiratory problems find difficult to bear. Formaldehyde can be found in perfumed tissues, cleaning agents, paints and aerosol, with effects of VOCs being to cause or aggravate headaches, dizziness, or breathing problems.
For those with respiratory diseases, among other ailments, use of unscented, unbleached tissue paper has to change. One can approach some reliable tissue vendors in UAE to know about their available range of tissues that has least chance of posing such risks.
- Hygiene Concerns and Cross-Contamination
Tissue paper is often regarded as a hygienic product, but improper use can lead to health risks, particularly in public settings. For example, communal use of tissue boxes or rolls can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses, especially in places like schools, offices, or public restrooms. A study by the American Society for Microbiology found that certain viruses could survive on paper surfaces for several hours, raising concerns about cross-contamination.
To mitigate these risks, it’s advisable to practice proper hygiene when using tissue paper. Use tissues to wipe hands and dispose of them immediately. Opt for tissues that are packaged individually, or in small, personal packs, to limit the spread of germs. Many tissue suppliers in the UAE offer antibacterial tissues or tissues in hygienic dispensers that are ideal for public use.
- Environmental Impact and Health
While this blog focuses on health, it’s important to consider the indirect health effects caused by the environmental impact of tissue paper production and disposal. Tissue paper manufacturing requires substantial amounts of water, energy, and chemicals, and often involves deforestation. Chlorine, commonly used in the bleaching process, releases harmful by-products called dioxins into the environment. Dioxins are linked to various health problems, including cancer, reproductive issues, and immune system damage.
Because these chemicals seep into the soil and water, they leak into the food chain and ultimately affect human health. Using eco-friendly tissues, made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced chlorine-free tissue products, can greatly reduce such environmental health risks. Ask your tissue suppliers in the UAE what of their product lines would be broadly classified as “ecofriendly” so you may make healthier, more sustainable choices.
How to Choose Health-Friendly Tissue Paper
To reduce the potential health risks associated with tissue paper, it’s essential to be mindful of the types of tissues you purchase. Below are some factors to consider when choosing tissue paper that is both safe for you and your family:
- Material Composition
Make sure that, the tissue paper is produced from 100% virgin pulp or recycled paper mean. Virgin pulp is highly acceptable, has good tensile strength and substantially free from objectionable chemicals. Recycled paper, in this case, is less detrimental to the environment than virgin one, but it may be of a rougher kind. Select premium, recycled tissues as the lower quality ones tend to make your skin itchy.
- Unbleached and Chlorine-Free
This techniques used in washing the tissue paper to look clean by using chlorine bleach. But on the downside, chlorine products are known to deposit their chemicals on the skin and the general environment. Choose the products labeled “chlorine-free,” or made from unbleached tissue, if you want to avoid inferior quality. These products do not cause skin irritation and are less inimical to the environment.
- Fragrance-Free
Do not use scented ones particularly if you have sensitive skin or are allergic to some scented products. When you choose tissues that claim to be mild-scented, they can still come with chemicals that can still cause skin and respiratory irritation. To reduce these risks, get disposable tissues which do not contain any fragrance.
- Hypoallergenic
Most tissue suppliers today provide hypoallergenic products because they know that many people have tender skin. They are not made of harsh chemicals, perfumes, or dyes they are better for you and easier on your skin than other brands. For use in homes with asthmatic or allergic individuals, especially children or other family members, hypoallergic tissue paper should best be used.
- Biodegradable or Eco-Friendly
Some tissues are made to be biodegradable which means they return to nature easily hence less pollution of the environment. Natural tissues utilized for the formation of biodegradable tissues are natural and renewable and, in most cases, contain lesser chemicals. People should prefer green products as not only helps in saving the earth, but also avoid exposing chemicals on the skin.
Best Practices for Tissue Paper Use
While selecting high-quality, health-friendly tissue paper is important, proper usage also plays a significant role in minimizing health risks. Here are some best practices to follow:
- Use Tissues Once and Dispose of Them Properly
Another attractive feature of tissue paper is that one time use. When you are done washing your hands, your face, or wiping the surfaces, do not use it again afterwards. That is why it is advisable not to use tissues more than once since it can cause spread of bacteria and other pathogen.
- Avoid Sharing Tissue Boxes
At the public or common areas, the different individuals in a population may use one and the same tissue box. However, this may lead to cross contamination opportunity. However, take tissues that are either tightly wrapped or packed in single person packets to minimize contact with germs.
- Store Tissues Properly
Ensure that your tissue boxes or packs are stored in a clean, dry place to prevent moisture and bacterial growth. If the tissues become damp, discard them, as they may harbor mold or bacteria.
- Choose the Right Tissue for the Task
Different tissues serve different purposes, and using the right one can improve both hygiene and health. Use paper towels for cleaning surfaces, facial tissues for wiping the face, and toilet paper for personal hygiene. Avoid using one type of tissue for all purposes, as each is designed with specific absorbency and strength characteristics.
Conclusion
It is a common item that cannot be looked at without considering its importance but at the same time there are risks. As with skin contact, irritation, or respiratory problems, or effect on the environment, knowing our options allows us to control what type of tissue products to use. Increase your health standards by using certified tissues, chemical-free and eco-friendly tissues which are available with tissue suppliers in UAE only.
We are so privileged being one of the leading office supplies and equipment as well as office stationery products supplier in Dubai and UAE. Incorporated for several years now and being a one brand office supply company possessing immense experience and professional services in different sectors, we hold a proud reputation in the market. If you are looking for the finest and softest tissue paper for your office or any other office stationery product, then our aim is to supply you with the superior product of this category.
Hygiene is foundational within the workplace and our tissues are not only safe for use without posing any risks but our products are also environmentally friendly. In case of selecting tissue suppliers in UAE people should rely on Find General Trading LLC to purchase the excellent quality office supplies that are focused on health consideration and effectiveness at work.