Wet wipes can irritate the delicate skin around your anus and cause perianal dermatitis, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. They can also contain harsh chemicals that can disrupt the good bacteria around your anus and promote the growth of bad bacteria or fungi. Additionally, wet wipes can clog sewer systems and take forever to break down, which is harmful to the environment. For a healthier and more environmentally friendly way to clean your bottom, try using a bidet or unscented toilet paper.
A mother of five in London has had her home destroyed after a sewage pipe blockage caused waste to overflow from the toilet and flood her property. The damage is estimated to be around £30,000, and the family has been forced to stay with relatives since the incident occurred in March. The sewage overflow has raised concerns about the dangers of flushing non-flushable items down toilets, such as plastic wet wipes.
In a bid to reduce plastic and microplastic pollution, the UK government has announced a ban on wet wipes containing plastic. The ban, to be tabled in Parliament before the summer recess in July, will apply England-wide, with Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales expected to follow suit. Wet wipes containing plastic have been found to pollute waterways and contribute to microplastic ingestion by animals and humans.
