Paper Straws & PFAS: Not as Eco-Friendly as You Think

 In a bid to mitigate plastic pollution, several beverage and fast-food corporations have transitioned to paper straws. However, these alternatives may not be as eco-friendly as initially thought due to possible toxic chemical contents, warn researchers. Prior to 2019, the U.S. alone recorded a staggering daily usage of about 500 million plastic straws, leading to a global ban and the rise of paper substitutes according to National Geographic. Yet, a recent study in the Food Additives and Contaminants journal reveals potential detrimental effects of these alternatives.

Plant-based straws like paper and bamboo, often hailed as sustainable, may not be as green due to the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), reveals Thimo Groffen, an environmental scientist from Belgium's University of Antwerp. After examining 39 brands, Groffen's research team found paper straws to be more prone to toxic chemicals than other materials. Everyday products often contain these eternal chemicals, which according to the U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, can elevate cholesterol and blood pressure levels, compromise the immune system, and raise the risk of certain cancers.

Moreover, these chemicals are not just hazardous to human health, but also accumulate in the environment, contaminating natural water resources. The research showed 90% of paper straws contained these chemicals compared to 75% plastic and 40% glass while steel straws tested negative. Despite low PFAS concentrations and occasional straw usage posing a limited health risk, over time, these chemicals can build up in the human body and environment, the impacts of which we're still grasping. Further testing is needed to assess whether PFAS can permeate into the surrounding liquid and the overall effects of these products. The research suggests that paper and bamboo straws may not be as eco-friendly as we believed.