A Walmart employee’s warning about the hidden dangers of public restroom toilet paper has gone viral, sparking widespread concern about an unexpected health hazard linked to IV drug use.
Devan, a Walmart worker who shares content on TikTok as @601devan, posted a video urging women to be vigilant when using public bathrooms due to reports of drug users cleaning their needles in toilet paper rolls.
Devan’s video, filmed from his car while wearing his Walmart vest, began with a direct appeal: “If you use public bathrooms, stop what you’re doing, and listen to this.” He explained that some IV drug users remove the covers from toilet paper dispensers, insert needles into the rolls to clean them, and then leave behind contamination that could pose serious health risks to unsuspecting users.
To illustrate his point, Devan displayed an image of a toilet paper roll with red, pin-sized holes resembling bloodstains. He emphasized the importance of checking toilet paper rolls for signs of tampering, such as tiny holes, even if no visible blood is present. “Bring wipes of your own,” he advised, particularly for women who may have no alternative but to use the provided toilet paper.
The video quickly gained traction, with thousands of viewers expressing alarm in the comments. Many pledged to be more cautious, while others shared their disbelief and fear. One commenter wrote, “I will go without wiping if it takes. Never even knew this.” Another added, “Thanks for the advice!! This is crazy!! How scary simple things like toilet paper can be a hazard.”
The warning also resonated beyond Devan’s followers, sparking broader discussions about the substance abuse crisis in the United States and its far-reaching effects.
Devan’s warning follows other viral reports highlighting the dangers of contaminated public spaces. Social media watchdog Dane Jones previously warned about the risks of bloodborne diseases, such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B and C, spreading through contact with contaminated blood on toilet paper or restroom surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that hepatitis viruses can survive in dried blood or on surfaces for extended periods—up to four days for hepatitis C—retaining the ability to infect others through contact.
This revelation underscores the broader impact of the escalating substance abuse crisis in the United States. Reports of drug use in public spaces, including restrooms and urban streets, are increasingly common. In Midtown Manhattan, for example, addicts have been seen injecting drugs openly during the daytime, according to the New York Post.
