"Never Wipe Your Dining Table with Wet Wipes"... Expert Explains the Risks

Possible Ingestion of Chemicals Through Tableware
Using a Water-Dampened Kitchen Towel Is Recommended

Experts have pointed out that repeatedly wiping the dining table with wet wipes may cause chemical substances to be transferred to tableware and subsequently enter the body. They explain that even if there are no noticeable symptoms at first, long-term and repeated exposure could potentially affect health.

AI-generated image to aid understanding of the article. ChatGPT

Choi Eunjeong, professor of science education at Ewha Womans University, recently appeared on the YouTube channel "Medical Educator Lee Donghwan TV" and explained that when tables are wiped with wet wipes, chemical residues may remain on the dishes and be ingested during meals.

Professor Choi noted, "Many households use wet wipes because washing and boiling dishcloths for maintenance can be bothersome," but she also warned, "The chemicals in wet wipes can remain on the table surface, and even trace amounts can be ingested during meals through spoons or chopsticks."

She further explained that although it may not seem dangerous in the short term, repeated exposure over a long period could allow these substances to accumulate in the body and interact with other harmful substances, potentially impacting health.

Another concern is that wet wipes are not simply paper soaked in water. Unlike ordinary tissues, which are made from natural pulp extracted from trees, wet wipes are manufactured using synthetic fibers such as polyester. In addition, due to the product's long-term wet storage, preservatives are added to prevent the growth of bacteria or mold; among them, sodium benzoate—a preservative also used in food—may be included.

In Korea, these products are regulated according to strict safety standards, and if the content is within permissible limits, they are generally considered safe. However, for products containing alcohols such as ethanol or artificial fragrances, there is a possibility that these substances may remain on the table surface after use.

Professor Choi said, "Simultaneous exposure to various chemicals could cause some components to act as endocrine disruptors," adding, "Although most products are safe since they are below the standard limits, it is important to pay attention to how, how often, and where they are used."

As an alternative, she recommended wetting a kitchen towel with water and wiping the table in environments where water is available. Kitchen towels, made from highly absorbent paper material, are suitable for removing moisture from ingredients or as a simple substitute for dishcloths.

Professor Choi explained, "Since kitchen towels are stored dry, there is no need for preservatives, and most commercially available products in Korea are made from natural pulp." She also emphasized, "In particular, domestic kitchen towels are considered quite safe as they do not use fluorescent brighteners."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.