Toilet paper

Toiletpapier (Gobran111)

Klopapierrolle mit Halter

Nara period toilet paper

William Hogarth - A Just View of the British Stage

Manifeste de Brunswick caricature 1792

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Nokia Toilet paper

Toilet paper is a hygiene product used primarily for the cleaning of the perineal area of the body after defecation or urination. It serves as a physical barrier between human waste and the hand, helping to reduce the transmission of pathogens. Toilet paper is a staple in bathrooms in many cultures around the world and is available in various sizes, textures, and types to cater to different preferences and needs.

History

The use of toilet paper can be traced back to ancient China, where the first recorded use of toilet paper was documented in the 6th century. The production of toilet paper for the Emperor's use was recorded in the 14th century, with the Bureau of Imperial Supplies manufacturing over 720,000 sheets of toilet paper in 1393. In other parts of the world, different materials were used for personal cleaning, including leaves, grass, stones, corn cobs, and pieces of cloth.

The modern toilet paper as known today began to emerge in the 19th century. In 1857, Joseph Gayetty in the United States marketed the first commercially available toilet paper. It was sold in packages of flat sheets, watermarked with his name. The Scott Paper Company, founded in 1879, was among the first to market toilet paper on a roll, a significant innovation in the product's history.

Types and Materials

Toilet paper varies in its material composition, texture, and durability. The most common material used is paper, specifically designed to disintegrate in water to prevent clogging of plumbing systems. Toilet paper products can be categorized into one-ply, two-ply, or more layers, indicating the number of layers of paper used. The ply affects the softness, absorbency, and strength of the toilet paper.

Some toilet paper is infused with aloe or other softening agents to reduce irritation. For environmental concerns, recycled paper and bamboo toilet paper have gained popularity as sustainable alternatives to traditional wood pulp paper.

Cultural Variations

Cultural preferences significantly influence toilet paper usage, including its texture, scent, and color. In some cultures, water is preferred over toilet paper for cleanliness reasons, using devices like a bidet or a lota for washing.

Environmental Impact

The production and use of toilet paper have environmental implications, including deforestation, water use, and chemical pollution. The move towards recycled paper and bamboo as raw materials aims to mitigate some of these impacts. However, the debate on the environmental friendliness of toilet paper continues, with some advocating for reduced use or the adoption of water-based cleaning methods.

In Popular Culture

Toilet paper has made its mark in popular culture, notably in pranks such as "TP-ing" someone's property. It also became a symbol of panic buying during the COVID-19 pandemic, with images of empty supermarket shelves highlighting consumer fears of shortages.

See Also

• Bidet
• Hygiene
• Paper
• Plumbing

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