Britain’s sewer system could collapse as millions substitute loo roll for with kitchen paper and wet wipes.
The coronavirus pandemic has sparked a surge in toilet paper panic buying – meaning some could be forced to wipe with unflushable products.
Thames Water has already warned customers to not “feed” fatbergs by flushing paper towels.
It said the only things that should be flushed are “the three Ps – poo, pee, and (toilet) paper.”
Supply chain expert Professor Richard Wilding said: “We are seeing shortages of toilet paper.
“But worryingly we are also seeing shortages of paper kitchen towels and industrial paper towel used, for example, in garages and workshops and other wipe products.
“If kitchen towels, baby wipes or industrial papers are used as a replacement for toilet paper, our sewage systems could readily become blocked with the resulting chaos and increased health risks associated with this.
“Ultimately, water companies may not have the infrastructure and equipment to unblock the sewer system.”
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Panic-buying has been so problematic that Aldi has put in restrictions so that shoppers will only be allowed to purchase four units of all products.
The company's customers have been stockpiling toilet roll, pasta, hand wash, sanitiser gels and pain killers leaving vulnerable people unable to buy what they need on their weekly shop.
Many other supermarkets have placed limits on high-demand items.
But it is thought Aldi is the first supermarket to place restrictions an all products.
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