Levels and risk assessment of residual phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and semi-volatile chlorinated organic compounds in toilet tissue papers

The presence of phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and semi-volatile chlorinated organic compounds (SVCOC) in toilet tissue papers may be detrimental to the health of consumers upon exposure. This study therefore, sought to investigate the levels of these toxicants in toilet tissue papers on the Ghanaian market and the associated risk of exposure. The study also sought to conduct source apportionments for analytes. A total of 32 composite toilet tissue samples from 8 different brands were analysed in replicates for PAHs, phthalates and SVCOCs. Analysis was conducted using Shimadzu GCMS QP 2020 with the MS operated in SIM mode. The results showed elevated levels of PAHs, phthalates, and appreciable levels of SVCOCs in the toilets tissue papers. The risk assessment conducted, showed an associated elevated cancer risk >10(−4) for PAHs in all samples and DEHP in samples NN, BB and SF. The risk associated with the levels of carcinogenic SVCOCs were found to be > 10(-5) but < 10(−4).The hazard indices (HI) calculated for non-cancer effects, showed risk levels < 1.0 for phthalates in most toilet paper samples except for samples BB and SF. The HI recorded for chlorophenols were all <1. Cumulatively, these values suggested elevated cancer and non-cancer risk associated with the dermal use of the toilet tissue papers on the Ghanaian market. The PCA-MLR source apportionment suggested two significant sources of SVOCs in the toilet tissue papers. PAHs, phthalates and 2-chloronaphthalene were of one source (oil base source) whereas SVCOCs were of another source (bleaching process).