Reply #7: You can Google ANYTHING and find out.

[PeaceNikki]

http://www.jewishworldreview.com/0406/glad_u_asked040506.php3

Q: Years ago colored toilet tissue was available in stores - which was great for color coordination in bathrooms. Now, the only choice available is white. Why did toilet paper manufacturers stop making the colored variety? — Monna Jones, Rock Hill, S.C.

A:Colored TP was widely introduced in the `50s, and was quite popular for 20 years or so. Then several things happened to hurt sales:

— Some doctors began warning that colored toilet paper could cause skin irritation. To be indelicately precise, itchiness in an embarrassing place. This hurt sales.

— Some ecologists warned that dye in colored toilet paper could hurt the environment. This also hurt sales.

Manufacturers disputed these claims and took steps to make sure the dyes were gentle and safe. But with sales down, they began to lose money on the products. After all, it costs more to make the colored stuff. So the manufacturers shifted away from colors, and so did even more consumers.

As so often is the case, it was a money thing.

Scott still makes TP in beige, blue and pink, but it can be hard to find. You might ask the manager of your grocery store to order some for you. A site called Frenchtoiletpaper.com offers "dermatologist-approved" rolls in violet, clementine, green apple and other colors.

And black toilet paper has been popular recently in Europe. I guess that's good if you want a black bath mat, toilet seat and towels.

Thanks to Kenn Fischburg, president of Toilet Paper World, a national distributor of bathroom products, for his help with this column.