Eating paper tissue, such as facial tissue, napkins, or toilet paper, is not recommended and poses several health risks. The human body is not designed to process these materials for nutrition. While small, accidental ingestion of clean paper is unlikely to cause serious harm, consuming paper regularly or in large quantities introduces mechanical and chemical hazards to the digestive system. Habitual consumption is a medical concern that requires professional attention.
The Composition of Paper Tissue and the Digestive Process
Paper tissue is primarily composed of cellulose fibers sourced from wood pulp. Cellulose is a complex carbohydrate that provides structural support in plants. However, the human body lacks the necessary enzyme, cellulase, to break down cellulose into absorbable sugars.
Because of this physiological limitation, paper tissue has no nutritional value for humans. The fibers pass through the digestive tract essentially unchanged, acting as an indigestible bulk. The tissue will disintegrate into individual fibers in the stomach and intestines but will not dissolve or be absorbed.
Immediate Physical Hazards of Ingestion
The most immediate danger from swallowing paper is the risk of choking, especially when large, dry wads are ingested. This is a particular concern for young children. Once the paper passes the throat, its non-digestible nature presents a risk of gastrointestinal obstruction.
When paper is consumed regularly or in significant amounts, the fibers can clump together and form a dense mass known as a bezoar. This mass, specifically called a xylobezoar, can become lodged in the stomach or small intestine. An intestinal blockage is a serious medical emergency that may cause symptoms like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and constipation. Surgical intervention is often required to remove the obstructing mass.
Risks from Chemical Additives and Contaminants
Beyond the mechanical risks, paper tissue contains various non-fiber components that introduce chemical hazards upon ingestion. Most white paper products are subjected to a bleaching process, which can leave trace amounts of chemical residues, such as chlorine derivatives. Chronic ingestion of bleached paper can lead to low-level exposure to these non-food substances.
Specialized tissues, like facial tissues or napkins, also contain chemical additives to enhance properties like softness, color, or scent. These additives are not intended for consumption. Furthermore, tissue paper, especially toilet paper, has been found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals.” These chemicals are linked to various health issues and represent a source of chronic exposure when paper is eaten.
When Ingestion Signals a Medical Condition
Habitual or compulsive consumption of non-food items, including paper, is medically defined as Pica. The specific craving for paper, or wood-based products, is sometimes referred to as xylophagia. Pica is a serious eating disorder that needs professional diagnosis and treatment.
This condition is often associated with nutritional deficiencies, most notably iron deficiency anemia. Correcting the underlying deficiency, such as through iron replacement therapy, frequently resolves the compulsive craving for paper. Pica can also be linked to certain mental health conditions, developmental disabilities, and emotional stress. Individuals with conditions like autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder may experience an urge to eat paper due to the sensory feedback it provides. If the ingestion of tissue is consistent or compulsive, consulting a healthcare professional is strongly advised to identify and treat the root cause.