It’s something almost everyone does without thinking twice: rushing into a public restroom when nature calls.
But according to a viral claim circulating on social media, there may be a detail on the toilet paper roll that some say you should never ignore.
Small marks
Public restrooms are rarely the most pleasant places to be, and I think that applies in most countries around the world. You shouldn’t have to worry about getting sick when using these places, but several warnings on TikTok have made people take a closer look at public restrooms before using them.
It started with a TikTok user named technicolor94, who warned viewers about small marks sometimes found on public toilet paper rolls, suggesting they could be connected to drug users cleaning used needles in public bathroom stalls.
“If the roll has indents or rust-coloured marks then it’s safer to avoid using the tissue altogether,” the post claimed.
The video quickly sparked alarm online, with some users reacting strongly, according to Daily Mail.
One person commented: “This happened to me literally almost had a panic attack.”
Another added: “Not me I flip the seat up and never use paper in a public restroom. Thank you for this tho. I’ll spread the word on this.”
The concern shared in the video suggests the marks could, in rare cases, be traces of blood from contaminated needles.
Health professionals have pointed out that infections from this type of exposure are extremely rare, but blood-borne viruses could theoretically be transmitted through contaminated materials. Research has also shown that diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV may, in some cases, be spread through contact with even very small amounts of infected blood.
However, experts emphasize that such risks — while often discussed online — are considered extremely unlikely in everyday settings. Dr Sermed Mezher, a general practitioner with more than 200,000 TikTok followers, said that while passing on a virus through toilet paper is “very rare,” it is still “possible.”
More cases around the world
At the same time, reports of unusual marks on toilet paper rolls in public restrooms have continued to surface from different places around the world.
When Chloe Andrews, 29, was walking near the Nepean River in Australia, she urgently needed to use a bathroom and went into a nearby public restroom. Once inside, she noticed something unusual about the toilet paper dispenser.
She said the cover was loosely held on with tape and fell off when she touched it. Inside, she saw multiple small puncture marks in the toilet paper, along with what appeared to be traces of blood.
@chloeandrews I was busting otherwise I normally wouldn’t use – this is rank #nepeanriver #penrith #westernsydney ♬ original sound – Chloe Andrews
At first, she wasn’t sure what she was looking at, but later concluded the holes may have been made by needles. She had previously seen online claims suggesting some drug users may poke used needles into toilet paper rolls to clean them, though she assumed it was something that only happened overseas.
Shocked to find something similar locally, she recorded a video warning others to be cautious when using public toilets and shared it on social media, where it quickly gained attention.
She also alerted the local council, which reportedly replaced the toilet paper and repaired the dispenser within a day.
Sparked strong reactions online
“You think it’s never going to happen to you, but it does, and that is why I decided to warn people about it on social media,” she told News.com.au.
Chloe’s post sparked strong reactions online, with many people expressing concern and saying they would now be more cautious in public bathrooms. Some commenters shared similar fears, while others claimed they always inspect toilet paper rolls before using them.
A father in the US also recently posted a warning about the issue in a video labeled: “PSA for parents who take their kids to the park.”
In the clip, Cody Zepp pointed out several holes in a large industrial toilet paper roll, claiming that “there are dirt balls cleaning their needles in here”.
The warnings have sparked strong reactions online, with many people saying it introduced “a new fear unlocked”.
“I never understood why some places locked up the toilet paper holders until now,” one person wrote.
“Audibly gasped. I never ever have thought about this,” another admitted.
“This is one of my biggest fears! I always check the rolls. It’s freaking disgusting and terrifying. So glad that the cover fell off and you didn’t end up using it,” someone else commented.
Meanwhile, a person who said they were a paramedic added: “I can confirm this happens even in places you would swear it wouldn’t.”
In the end, these warnings aren’t really about causing fear, but about raising awareness. Taking a quick look, practicing basic hygiene, and using common sense can make a big difference in staying safe in shared spaces. Please share this article with your family and friends on Facebook.