Tissues 808 & 810: Meaning & Safety Explained
- A recent online scare has been circulating, particularly in Thailand, claiming that tissue paper from China with codes ending in "808" is safe for facial use, while those...
- What: A false rumor circulating online claiming tissue paper codes "808" and "810" indicate facial vs.
- The viral message, often shared with accompanying video clips, alleges that tissue paper with a code ending in "808" is suitable for wiping faces and mouths, while "810"...
Debunking the Tissue Paper Code Rumor: 808 vs. 810 – What You Need to Know
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A recent online scare has been circulating, particularly in Thailand, claiming that tissue paper from China with codes ending in “808” is safe for facial use, while those ending in “810” are made from recycled materials adn should only be used for cleaning surfaces. This claim has sparked concern among consumers. Sanook News’ fact-check confirms this is false. The codes are simply part of China’s industrial standards and do not indicate safety or recycled content. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the issue,explaining the standards,the origin of the misinformation,and what consumers should actually look for when choosing tissue paper.
The Claim: Facial Tissue vs. Cleaning Tissue?
The viral message, often shared with accompanying video clips, alleges that tissue paper with a code ending in “808” is suitable for wiping faces and mouths, while “810” coded tissue is only appropriate for cleaning tables and other objects. The implication is that “810” tissue is somehow unsafe or made from inferior, potentially harmful recycled materials. This has understandably led to confusion and worry among consumers.
The Investigation: Decoding the Codes
The sanook News editorial team, in collaboration with experts like Dr. Jessada Denduangboriphan from Chulalongkorn University, investigated the claim and found it to be demonstrably false. The numbers “808” and “810” are not indicators of safety or recycled content. They are components of China’s Guobiao Standards (GB/T), a comprehensive system of national standards.
Here’s a breakdown of the relevant standards:
* GB/T 20808: This standard applies to general tissue paper – the type commonly used for facial tissues,hand towels,and napkins.
* GB/T 20810: This standard applies to toilet tissue paper.
The “808” and “810” are simply parts of these larger standard numbers. The rumor incorrectly isolates these digits and assigns them misleading meanings.
| Standard | Tissue Type | Pulp Source | Key Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB/T 20808 | General Tissue Paper (Facial, Napkins, Hand Towels) | Typically Virgin Pulp (though recycled pulp can be used, it’s less common and must meet specific standards) | Softer, more absorbent, designed for delicate skin. |
| GB/T 20810 | Toilet Tissue Paper | Can use Virgin pulp or Recycled Pulp | Designed for strength and breakdown in water; may be less soft than facial tissue. |
Why the Misunderstanding? Pulp Source and Quality
The core of the confusion lies in the different requirements for pulp source within these standards. GB/T 20808 (general tissue) typically uses virgin pulp, resulting in a softer, more absorbent product. GB/T 20810 (toilet tissue) allows for the use of recycled pulp.
Though, this does not mean all 810-coded tissue is made from unsafe or low-quality recycled materials. Recycled pulp used in toilet tissue must still meet specific quality and safety standards outlined in the GB/T 20810 standard. These standards address potential contaminants and ensure the final product is safe for its intended use.
Furthermore, even within the GB/T 20808 standard, the use of some recycled pulp is permitted, provided it meets stringent requirements. Therefore,the presence of “808” does not guarantee 100% virgin pulp.
– drjenniferchen
This rumor highlights a common issue: the misinterpretation of technical standards. Consumers often lack the expertise to understand complex regulations, making them vulnerable to misinformation. The focus on the digits “808” and “810” is a classic example of cherry-picking data to support a pre-existing belief. It’s crucial to remember that standards are nuanced and don’t lend themselves to simple,binary interpretations. The fact that recycled pulp is allowed in toilet tissue doesn’t equate to it being inherently unsafe. The standards