The Hidden Truth About Paper Straws: Are They Really Eco-Friendly?

Paper straws have been promoted as an eco-friendly alternative to plastic straws, especially since plastic straws were banned in the UK in 2020. However, a new European study has discovered that these supposedly “green” straws may not be as harmless as we thought.

Source: VICE/YouTube

The study revealed that the majority of paper and bamboo straws contained potentially harmful chemicals known as Poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These long-lasting chemicals could pose risks not just to humans, but also wildlife and the environment. Interestingly, of the brands tested, 18 out of 20 paper straw brands contained PFAS. Plastic and glass straw variants had these chemicals, albeit less frequently.

A type of PFAS, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), was most commonly found, even though its usage has been restricted globally since 2020. Steel straws, on the other hand, showed no traces of these chemicals.

So, why are PFAS present in paper straws? Researchers found that these chemicals are often used as a water-repellent coating. Although the detected concentrations of PFAS were low, and straws are not a daily consumption item for many, there’s a catch: these chemicals can accumulate in the body over time. Previous studies have linked PFAS to numerous health issues, including thyroid disease, liver damage, and certain cancers.

Dr. Thimo Groffen, a researcher from the University of Antwerp, shed light on the origins of this investigation. After PFAS was found in straws in the US, the European team became curious about plant-based drinking straws in Belgium.

Dr. Groffen’s advice post-research? Opt for steel straws. Better yet, maybe it’s time to reconsider our need for straws altogether. His statement rings clear, “Straws made from plant-based materials are often seen as more sustainable than plastic. But with PFAS in the mix, this might not be the case.”

So, next time you reach for that paper straw, thinking you’re making an eco-friendly choice, remember: not all that looks green is truly green, the best alternative is avoiding straws wherever you can.

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